Research Culture Team

Introduction to the Dean of Research Culture

Our approach to Research Culture is led by our Dean of Research Culture, Professor Matt Baillie Smith. Matt is Professor of Global Development in the School of Geography and Natural Sciences. He works closely with staff in Research and Innovation Services to implement our Research Culture Action Plan and Initiatives, chairs the Research Culture Committee and reports on Research Culture to the University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee and REF Management Committee.

To find out more about Professor Baillie Smith, visit his university profile page.

Research and Innovation Services Research Culture staff

The Professional Services Staff supporting Research Culture are based within Research and Innovation Services. They support, promote and enable Research Culture initiatives for all staff who contribute to research. The core Professional Services Research Culture staff are:

Laura Hutchinson, Head of Research Development and Culture

Laura is the Head of Research Development and Culture and leads the Research Development and Culture team in Research and Innovation Services. This team includes research development, research communications, researcher development and research culture. Laura is Secretary to Research Culture Committee and works closely with Matt to deliver our research culture initiatives

Sam King, Research Development and Culture Manager

Sam leads the Researcher Development team and develops, and facilitates a range of learning and development activities and online resources related to researcher skills development. Supporting academics across all career stages, these activities and resources are designed to build collaborations, enrich skills, foster talents and to support people to reach their full potential here at Northumbria and in the wider world.

Kevin Richardson, Research Quality and Assessment Manager

Kevin has wide experience in research system implementation and provided close support to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 submission. In his current role, Kevin leads on the management of research quality processes and systems. Additionally, he supports initiatives aimed at enhancing research culture and is secretary to the Working Group for Responsible Research Assessment. Kevin continues to assist preparations for the upcoming REF 2029 exercise and served as a member of the University Strategy Advisory Group which support the development of the University Strategy 2030. 

Ellen Cole, Research Environment and Integrity Manager

Ellen supports the delivery of REF at the University, particularly the People, Culture and Environment element of the submission.

To find out more about Ellen's activities you can visit her ORCID profile.

Edan Pickering, Research Culture and Development Coordinator

Edan supports the organisation and delivery of researcher development activities for academics across all career stages at Northumbria University. These opportunities provide academics with the skills and knowledge to enhance their careers. She has a focus on Early Career Researchers and supports the running of the ECR Forum via event organisation, networking and online resources. Edan is Minute Secretary to Research Culture Committee and supports with tracking HR Excellence activity.

To find out more about Research Professional Support staff, please visit the Research Professional Support staff page.