These groups will support the development of high-impact collaborations by:
- Cultivating new relationships with industry, government, and trade bodies
- Enhancing existing partnerships across research, innovation, and knowledge exchange
- Contributing to strategic initiatives aligned with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy
This is a unique opportunity to help shape strategic direction, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive sectoral impact. As a Sectoral Group Chair, you will be supported by a named colleague from the Research and Innovation Office, and will convene members, set priorities, and represent your group within the wider University and external networks. At its most basic level, the role involves chairing the group four or five times per year. Time commitment will be locally agreed and where appropriate recognised as part of your administrative workload.
Academics with a strong interest and experience in external engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sector-specific innovation are encouraged to apply. Expressions of interest will need to demonstrate proven ability to work with external organisations, whether through research partnerships, knowledge exchange, policy influence, or industry collaboration.
To express your interest, please submit a short statement (max 150 words) outlining your relevant experience, interests, and which group you would like to lead.
Sectoral Group will focus on one of the following priority sectors*:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Digital & Technologies
- Creative Industries
- Finance, Professional & Business Services
- Life Sciences
- Defence
- Sport
*A group will cover sport; however, this will be led by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport.
The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 12pm on 27 October 2025. Please submit to Kathryn Burchell at k.d.burchell@lboro.ac.uk.