LOUISE BRIGHT

Louise first joined the University of Glamorgan as Research Manager and has held various roles including Head of Research Office and Director of Research and Business Engagement.

While previously seconded to the Welsh Government, Louise undertook a study on how the Government might work with Welsh universities to increase the levels of Research Council income. The outcomes of the study formed the basis for a Ministerial approved report with policy implications. During her secondment she was also responsible for drafting a proposal to establish a National Science Academy for Wales. This was approved and Louise went on to work with Welsh Government on a consultancy basis including projects on the delivery of the National Science Academy and Welsh Government’s Innovation Policy.

Louise was also previously the Associate Director of the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education with responsibility for Wales. This role built on her experience of developing research students and academics to become effective researchers. Louise is a member of the UK HR Excellence in Research Panel, Welsh Government’s Equity in STEM Board and was a member of the Chief Science Advisor for Wales Task and Finish Group which informed a report on women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine in Wales. Louise also leads the Wales Women in STEM Network.

Before moving into management, her research focused on freezing oocytes from patients whose fertility is threatened by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Following her PhD, she successfully established a new, externally funded group that explored the pathogenesis of endometriosis.