Sophie Collet will take up the role of Director of Research and Innovation Services (RIS) on 12 August.

In the role, Sophie will lead RIS and work closely with Professor Sarah Hainsworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) to deliver on the Research pillar of the University Strategy.

The role is instrumental to University ambitions to grow our international, national, and civic reputation for research, alongside ambitious plans for improved research income by growing the number of research awards.

Sophie brings a significant depth and breadth of experience to the University, with over 20 years in research in Higher Education implementing complex research initiatives and leading on delivery of strategic aims.

Sophie joins us from the University of Bristol where she held the position of Director of Strategy, Information and Operations. She was responsible for delivery of large-scale strategic initiatives across the research landscape and strategic leadership of the Bristol Doctoral College. She also led on submissions to the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and Knowledge Exchange (KE) Concordat.

Sophie holds a PhD in behavioural ecology from the University of Bristol.

In August 2024 she also takes on the role of Deputy Chair of the UK Association for Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA) and closer to home, she is a school governor at Upper Horfield Community School in Bristol.

Professor Sarah Hainsworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise said: “This is a pivotal role for the University at a very exciting time for our Research community and attracted a field of exceptional candidates. Sophie has a fantastic track record of delivering on strategic ambitions and we are delighted to have her join us. I’d like to thank Kirsty Grainger for her leadership of RIS while we recruited, and I am really looking forward to seeing what Sophie, Kirsty and colleagues in RIS will achieve together.”

Sophie said: “I am delighted to be joining the University of Bath. I am really looking forward to meeting new colleagues and working together to grow the University’s research and innovation activities and achieve their strategic ambitions."

We look forward to welcoming Sophie to the University.