We are pleased to announce Professor Sarah Hainsworth OBE FREng as our new Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research).
Sarah is currently Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at the University of Bath.
She is responsible for developing and implementing Bath’s research strategy.
Sarah is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and was awarded an OBE in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2019 New Year’s Honours List for her outstanding services to Engineering and Forensic Science.
Sarah will take up her new role on 1 February 2026, succeeding Professor Colin Bain, who will be returning to his academic role as Professor of Chemistry.
Sarah will be a member of our University Executive Committee and be responsible for our research strategy. She will also hold a Chair in Engineering.
Professor Karen O’Brien, our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, said: “We are pleased to have made such a distinguished appointment. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the research, impact and industry engagement side of this important role.
“She is an experienced strategic leader as well as an internationally recognised researcher in her own right. She follows in the footsteps of our outstanding Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Colin Bain, who has helped significantly to increase our research income and grow the scale and ambition of our research and impact.
“Sarah’s impressive track record will be instrumental in taking our world-leading and world-changing research to the next level.”
Professor Sarah Hainsworth, said: “I am delighted to be joining Durham as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research. I really look forward to getting to know colleagues and being able to grow the reputation and impact of the University’s research regionally, nationally and internationally.
“Research has the power to shape lives, communities and futures. I am excited to be able to support colleagues at Durham to have creative space for bold ideas; to build a community of talented researchers; and to champion research that continues to inspire and influence the world.”
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