We are pleased to announce that Professor Tracey Newman has been appointed as the new Director of the Doctoral College. This strategic leadership role is pivotal in shaping the University’s postgraduate research environment and supporting our doctoral community.
The University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 ranks among the UK’s top 10 institutions by research income and is globally recognised for research excellence. The Doctoral College is central to this success, providing world-class training, professional development, and resources that enable doctoral researchers to thrive.
As Director, Professor Newman will focus on enhancing the research culture, strengthening postgraduate research support, and leading initiatives to maintain and grow the University’s international reputation in doctoral education. The role will report jointly to the Vice-President (Research and Enterprise) on postgraduate research matters, and the Vice-President (Education and Student Experience) on quality management and student experience matters. This 0.5 FTE appointment will sit alongside Professor Newman’s existing role in the School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences.
Professor Newman will also be fortunate to work alongside Professor Christopher Howls, the former Director, who will now take a lead on Funding and Training Partnerships for the Doctoral College. This new position allows the College to continue benefiting from Professor Howls’ extensive experience and leadership, particularly in strengthening our funding landscape and enhancing training opportunities for doctoral researchers.
Professor Newman commented:
“Postgraduate researchers are vital to our university community. As the new Director of the Doctoral College my vision is to expand and diversify our PGR student body to enhance our global standing as a university. The University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 has an academic body with reach and positive impact through national and global connections, world leading teaching, research and enterprise and infrastructure, making it an ideal place for excellence in PGR research and professional development.
“In a rapidly changing world PhD study is competing against numerous career options. My leadership will inspire greater external multi-disciplinary, industry-linked and philanthropic funding to support and increase the relevance of PGR study. As an interdisciplinary researcher, and in my previous role as Faculty Director of Graduate School in medicine, I recognise the significant value of PGR study to the creation and delivery of research and development of future leaders and I look forward to championing PGRs, working collaboratively and ensuring a high quality student experience.”
Deborah Gill, Vice-President (Education and Student Experience), and Mark Spearing, Vice-President (Research and Enterprise), commented:
“Chris has been an incredible founding lead for our Doctoral College – transforming the way in which we recruit and support our growing PGR community and building a positive research culture. I am sure he will agree that he passes on the College leadership to an excellent new Director who will further strengthen the capability and reputation of our Doctoral College, making the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 a great place to be a PGR student.”