Queen Mary appoints Bryony Butland as Director of Research and Innovation

She comes to Queen Mary from the Executive Board of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). She has recently led the creation of the UK’s research and innovation infrastructure roadmap and Infrastructure Fund at UKRI, and played a leading role in setting up of UKRI in the Higher Education Research Act, which created more competition and choice to promote social mobility. 

Dr Butland started her career as a researcher completing her PhD in Genetics with a follow-on postdoc in a small biotech company designing high throughput genetic screening techniques with engineers and roboticists. She worked in various roles in the Civil Service including in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Department for Climate Change and Department for Health. 

Dr Butland, Director of Research and Innovation at Queen Mary, said of her appointment: “I’m excited about Queen Mary’s focus on creating new sustainable spinout companies, highlighting the level of innovation at the university – as well as the quality of its research. I’m really looking forward to build on this work and growing the research and innovation activity across the university.” 

Professor Colin Bailey, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London, said: "Dr Butland has played a key role in enhancing the research and innovation landscape across the UK, and really understands the opportunities it offers.  Bryony’s expertise and experience will help us  to further increase our research and innovation impact.” 

Professor Andrew Livingston, Vice-Principal for Research and Innovation, said: "Dr Butland’s experience both in industry and in government gives her a broad perspective on having ideas, and then translating these ideas into businesses and commercial opportunities that will help us achieve our ambitions for further growth. I’m very pleased to have her on board.”