Meet the Team
Dr Nick Lancaster, Director Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange
Nick’s role is to develop Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at the University and is responsible for the strategic management of the central Research and Innovation Service. He works with colleagues across the University to ensure that we are achieving our maximum potential for external measures such as the REF and KEF as well as more income driven measures such as those within our HEBCIS submission to HESA.
Nick holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. Sponsored by ICI Ltd and the ESRC, the thesis examined how large organisations best stimulate rates of innovation. He is also a Fellow of the RSA.
Before joining Huddersfield as the Director of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, he has held a number of similar senior positions at several Higher Education Institutions and has also worked extensively in industry and consultancy.
Sue Cooke, Associate Deputy Director - Regional Enterprise
As Associate Deputy Director (Regional Development), Sue is responsible for the University’s enterprise service, innovation and business support programmes, and leads on public engagement.
Bringing with her over 30 years’ experience in business support, skills and economic development, Sue was previously a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and LEP. She has also taught business strategy on MBA programmes for several University business schools including Huddersfield, Sheffield and Bradford.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
Our team leads the development and management of the University’s KTPs. This includes supporting our exciting portfolio of live projects, driving new opportunities, facilitating new applications, and managing stakeholder relationships to enhance KTP activity.
Enterprise
The Enterprise team at the University of Huddersfield nurtures entrepreneurial talent in a diverse range of individuals, from ideation, to start-up, and beyond.
Based in the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, the team provides a substantial range of opportunities for students and recent graduates to develop their entrepreneurial skills and businesses. The team is passionate about building regional and national connectivity to open up further possibilities for all their clients.
The team also facilitates the Enterprise Placement Year, and supports staff to embed high-quality enterprise education throughout the curriculum.
Reach out to us at Enterprise. Follow us @Hudenterprise.
Business Development
The Business Development Team is here to make it easy for businesses and organisations to collaborate with the University. We are the one stop shop to ensure businesses and organisations get the right support from the right people.
Corporate Policy
James manages a proactive business intelligence and eco-system development function designed to support and strengthen the University’s areas of strategic research interest. James works with academics to develop strategic research partnerships and industrial collaborations (on regional, national, and international levels). James contributes to accelerating the University’s reputation and research income through engagement in UK and global policy shaping and influencing agendas.
David Smith, Public Engagement Manager
David Smith is responsible for managing the University's approach to public engagement.
