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Research England’s outgoing executive chair to look at links between research policy and growth
David Sweeney is to join the University of Birmingham as professor of practice in research policy.
Sweeney, who will be based in Birmingham’s School of Social Policy, will take up the role on 1 October, after he steps down as executive chair at national funder Research England. His research will look at the relationship of research policy with education and skills policy, and how it can drive growth across the regions and nations of the UK.
Sweeney has been executive chair for Research England since 2017. Prior to that, he spent nine years at the now defunct Higher Education Funding Council for England as director of research and knowledge exchange, where he led the development and implementation of the first Research Excellence Framework. Before Hefce, he served as vice-principal for research at Royal Holloway.
“I’m delighted to take forward my previous work with Research England in a new role which reaches out across the UK, recognising the tremendous contribution our universities make to national life and building on this university’s leading role in research, education and contribution to civic and business life,” Sweeney said.
Adam Tickell, vice-chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said: “In his current role, David has shown an outstanding commitment to universities and their crucial roles in transforming lives and society. Through this appointment, we look forward to exploring further ways in which universities can continue to deliver strategic initiatives which are central to the future of cities, regions and beyond.”
The appointment means that Sweeney will be reunited with former Hefce colleague Chris Millward, who was appointed professor of education policy at Birmingham last year after leaving his role as director for fair access at the Office for Students.
A version of this article appeared in Research Fortnight