Dr Sharon Ellis appointed as Council Member for Research England

Dr Ellis is Chief Operations Officer at Queen Mary with responsibility for the professional services team which supports education, research and knowledge exchange within the University.  Research England is responsible for funding and engaging with English higher education providers and also oversees key assessments such as The Research Excellence Framework and Knowledge Exchange Framework.  It spends over £2.5billion annually in support of the sector. 

This new appointment will see Dr Ellis working alongside fellow Council members and the Executive Chair to ensure the successful operation of Research England. This includes setting priorities and activities in line with UKRI’s overall strategy and considering key risks. She will provide expert advice to UKRI as well as on the development and progress of Research England’s strategic delivery plan.  She will act as ambassador and advocate for research and innovation across the higher education sector.  

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Sharon Ellis said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this position following an open competition. I look forward to working with my fellow council members and contributing to UKRI’s ambition to create the best possible environment for research and innovation in the UK. We know that Universities are at the heart of creating new knowledge and innovation, so having a voice in shaping future funding priorities and how Research England can best support the sector is a privilege.”

Prior to joining Queen Mary, Dr Ellis worked at various Government departments (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Trade and Industry, Transport) in roles related to research management, business efficiency and European negotiation and policy delivery.