Meet the team
Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Research Academy has a dedicated core team, who plan, coordinate and deliver a wide range of activities to support research-related training and development at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é.
You can contact us by emailing research.academy@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk.
Dr Kathryn North
Research Academy Director
Kathryn North is Director of the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Research Academy and former Director of C-DICE, a £5m Research England-funded programme supporting postdoctoral careers and the net zero transition. She previously served as Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Climate Change and Net Zero, leading research, innovation, skills development and sustainability initiatives across the University. Kathryn has held senior leadership roles in researcher development and doctoral education, is Co-Investigator on the Horizon Europe SECURE2 project, and Deputy Chair of the National Commission on Research Professional Futures.
Gabrielle is a Prince2-certified project manager, with a climate change research background. She has expertise in net zero, public engagement, & policy, and sits on EMCCA’s Skills Committee.
Ruqayya supports strategic projects across the University, including LURA initiatives to enhance research culture, improve policy accessibility, and support data benchmarking.
Alun leads initiatives in researcher development, employability, programme design, and research culture. He is ILM-7 in coaching and mentoring, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Lizzie leads on institutional approaches to understand and improve research and innovation culture. She chairs the Research Evaluation Global Alliance (REGA) and has received numerous awards.
Lu has worked on EPSRC and Horizon 2020 research projects and has experience in intellectual property patent work. She supports the day-to-day running of LURA including operations and finance.
A former careers adviser, Anna has experience with creating career development programmes. She is a level 5-qualified Coach, accredited Strengths Profile practitioner & Advanced HE Associate
Sarah has expertise in project management, digital training, e-learning design and skills development for the clean energy sectors. She supports undergraduate research engagement and industry.
Sharon is an experienced research professional who has managed numerous research and development centres, as well as both European and transatlantic projects.
Katryna's career encompasses research, teaching, and academic development. She has led an extensive portfolio, including the HREiR Award, UK Young Academy Programme, and flagship events.
Neil has 20 years' experience as a lecturer and senior manager in higher education, leading doctoral training & researcher development. He established the University of Derby Doctoral College.
Lizzy Watts is a Graduate Management Trainee, identifying new ways to capture, communicate and showcase research culture, engagement and impact across the institution.
Our partners
The LURA core team works in partnership with the many other teams that contribute to the research and innovation ecosystem at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é. These include: