Graham Armitage MBE has been appointed as Brunel University London’s first Innovator in Residence, as part of a new initiative to attract talented innovators to strengthen the University’s Research and Innovation (R&I) priorities.
Graham, whose residency will be launched in an inaugural seminar on 31 October, will be a visiting Professor with a focus on health sector and be jointly hosted by Brunel’s Institute of Health, Medicine and Environments (IHME) and the Research Support and Development Office (RSDO).
His responsibilities will be to:
- provide guidance which ensures that the strategic alignment of Brunel’s research and knowledge exchange activities reflect the societal and organisational priority research sectors of Brunel
- strengthen Brunel’s research and innovation development partnerships, and advise on translational grant applications
- contribute to Brunel’s research culture by advising how industry is approaching innovation and investment in the priority R&I areas of Brunel
- contribute to strengthening collaborative research and innovation partnership by providing mentoring and skill development with early-stage entrepreneurs and the Brunel research community, targeting those at the early stage of their academic career
- advise Brunel in developing appropriate outreach and public engagement strategy within priority sectors.
Currently the managing director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), Graham brings to this role his considerable experience as an engineer manager and leader, together with more than a decade with Newcastle University, where he led or supported a range of projects associated with the development of their Campus for Ageing and Vitality.
Graham said, “I am delighted and honoured to take on this first Innovator in residence role at Brunel. Universities have a key but increasingly complex role to play, not only in creating innovation but in convening the environments in which innovators can thrive. Brunel, from its foundation, uniquely embodies this aspect of higher education. It is also at the heart of a diverse community and has great global connections.
"Where better to address the challenges of health inequalities and deliver social and economic value through innovation in health? I am excited to work with colleagues and partners to help refine the innovative environment and support the important efforts of innovators.”
Prof Christina Victor, Brunel’s Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research Culture and Governance, and director of IHME, said: “Universities can learn from the expertise of individuals outside academia. The Innovator in Residence is an excellent initiative to strengthen collaborative research and innovation culture. We are excited to work with Graham to widen Brunel’s partnerships with innovators, businesses, hospitals and third-sector organisations.”
To find out more about the work of the Innovator in Residence, please contact RSDO’s Dr Michael Joseph.
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