Jen joined LSE as Director of Research and Innovation in May 2023. Her previous role as Director of Research and Innovation at Loughborough University involved leading an integrated R&I Office that effectively supported the university's ambitions in maintaining and improving its R&I performance. This included Research Excellence Framework (REF) preparation and submission, partnership development, support for research and innovation funding, commercialisation and IP services, and oversight of Loughborough Science and Technology Park’s development.  

Prior to Loughborough University, Jen worked in research roles across a range of HE institutions including as Associate Director of Research and Head of Research Excellence at Cranfield University, Research Support Partner at the University of Birmingham, Research Development Manager at the University of Bedfordshire, and Research Assistant at the University of Leicester.  

Her wide-ranging experience across the research and innovation landscape has involved managing knowledge exchange support services, shaping and delivering university research, enterprise and innovation activities, and assessing state-of-the-art science and technology research for the UK’s defence and security initiatives. Her aim as Director of LSE Research and Innovation is to apply her experience, knowledge and strategic perspective to add real value to the successful delivery of LSE’s research strategy.