Research

Research and Innovation Services team

Welcome to Research and Innovation Services. We work to empower academics and colleagues to secure external funding, prepare for the Research Excellence Framework, and to access comprehensive training programmes. We support our research community by ensuring an ethical approach to research activity, and foster a research culture that is underpinned by the values of rigor and integrity. We also act as the first point of entry for our business and corporate partners to develop joint projects and opportunities. Whether you are an external company looking to collaborate or an internal academic seeking advice we will point you in the right direction to access the right information and the key contacts. If you can’t find the information that you need, or need further information regarding research integrity at LJMU, please contact ris@ljmu.ac.uk.

Research Excellence Team

The Research Excellence Team works closely with the LJMU research community, supporting staff to build and enhance their research capability. The University’s preparations for the Research Excellence Framework in 2028 (REF2028) are driven by the team, and with colleagues in Library Services, we communicate key messages in support of Open Access and Research Data Management requirements. We manage a range of research information and performance resources, including Symplectic Elements, SciVal and Impact Tracker. 

Head of Research Excellence and Research Strategy

Dr Diana Leighton
D.J.Leighton@ljmu.ac.uk
0151 904 6479

Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Team

The Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Team is a single point of contact for external organisations to access LJMU. 

The Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation team is a dedicated team operating as a ‘gateway’ to identify, secure and broker routes of engagement between internal and external stakeholders. The primary aim of the team is promote, encourage and facilitate knowledge exchange and transfer activities and maximise the return of this engagement whether reputational, financial or social. Commercialisation is the process or cycle of introducing a new product or production method into the market. Many technologies begin in the laboratory, born out of the Research base of the University, are not practical/ready for commercial use. 

Through this activity the following routes of engagement are common for external stakeholders: 

  • Proof of concept research and development
  • Technology transfer collaboration
  • Licensing technologies
  • Joint ventures
  • Investment
  • Spin outs

Head of Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation

Jane Townend
J.C.Townend@ljmu.ac.uk
0151 231 8054

Grants, Policy and Projects Team

The Grants, Policy and Projects Team seek to help LJMU capitalise on various funding opportunities that are available to support its strategic plan. These include a wide range of UK and European sources among them Horizon 2020, Research Councils UK (RCUK), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), NIHR, Erasmus+ and the Interreg programme. We have supported the University by developing, evaluating and delivering European and Regional projects across all four faculties together with the many service teams that are crucial to the University’s strategic plan.

Head of Grants, Policy and Projects

Alison Thornber
A.Thornber@ljmu.ac.uk
0151 904 6474

Research Ethics and Governance Team

Research Ethics and Governance ensures the safety, dignity and rights of research participants whilst providing assurance that research is being conducted within an ethical framework as outlined in LJMU Code of Practice for Research.

Research Ethics and Governance Manager

Dr. Dave Harriss
D.Harriss@ljmu.ac.uk
0151 904 6236

Research and Innovation Services website

Further guidance is available on our Research and Innovation Services (RIS) website.