Vitae membership programme meetings and Vitae Regional Representatives
In March, Vitae held membership programme meetings throughout the UK. The theme was ‘Succeeding in an uncertain research environment: Implications for researcher development’. The aim was to provide a forum for practice sharing where institutions could discuss challenges and opportunities in making efficiencies while maintaining quality researcher development provision, as well as identify institutional priorities for Vitae activity in 2015-16. Summaries of the meetings will be sent to the Vitae membership contacts at each institution.
The meetings were also a chance to introduce the new Vitae Regional Representatives, elected by Vitae membership organisations in January. Serving for a two-year term, the Vitae Regional Representatives act in an advisory capacity, contributing to the development of Vitae’s strategy, providing an institutional perspective and highlighting priorities from institutions within their regions.
The Representatives are:
- Scotland and Northern Ireland: Dr Lucy Leiper, Senior Researcher Development Adviser, University of Aberdeen
- North West: Emma Sandon-Hesketh, Head of Research Development and Support at the University of Central Lancashire
- Yorkshire and North East: Dr Lowry McComb, Director of Researcher Development and Senior Fellow in Physics at Durham University
- Midlands: Dr Kieran Fenby-Hulse, Programme Manager for Early and Middle Career Researcher Development, Coventry University*
- East of England: Open*
- London: Dr Anna Price, Head of Researcher Development, Queen Mary University of London
- South West and Wales (Co-Representatives): Dr Penny Dowdney, Doctoral School Manager, Bangor University and Dr Paul Spencer, Researcher Development Manager, University of the West of England.
- South East: Dr Nicola Haines, Researcher Development Coordinator, University of Portsmouth
*Vitae are currently seeking individuals to fill the important role of Regional Representative for the Midlands and East of England. We invite you to contact Rachel Kerr for an informal discussion.
