The Research Development Team
- Are networked across the University to provide the best advice to researchers no matter their domain or need
- Can provide expert advice on funding opportunities and schemes.
- Work together to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of many research projects.
- Horizon scan for the most appropriate funding opportunities and proactively work within the Faculties to ensure high quality applications are submitted.
- Work closely with the Associate Deans for Research and Innovation (ADRIs) to ensure that the research activities of the Faculties are closely aligned to the available opportunities.
- Provide all the necessary support to ensure that high quality successful bids are submitted including all costings.
- Work to diversify European and international applications to prestigious funders such as, Research Councils, European and international funding bodies, NIHR, NIH, Wellcome Trust, Leverhulme Trust, Nuffield and Rowntree.
- Are responsible for building relationships with funding bodies and networking with stakeholders to ensure that Ulster’s research capabilities are promoted.
- Will incentivise researchers to work across research themes and develop insights into the work of other disciplines to promote interdisciplinary, in line with the strategic themes in Five and Fifty.
Shauna McKeown
Head of Research Development-
Key responsibilities
Shauna is responsible for leading the Research Development Team with a focus on building research partnerships, liaising with external stakeholders, identifying funding opportunities and supporting researchers at all stages of their career.
Alison Johnston
Research Development Manager-
Key responsibilities
Alison is the Research Development Manager who supports researchers in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Provide advice and guidance to researchers on funding opportunities
- Organise training and tailored workshops for researchers
- Support engagement with a range of external networks
Dr Colm Burns
Research Development Manager-
Key responsibilities
Colm is the Research Development Manager who supports researchers in the Faculty of Life & Health Sciences except Schools of Medicine and Sport.
Dr Cian McCrudden
Faculty Grant Development Manager-
Key responsibilities
Cian is the Research Development Manager who supports researchers in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
Vivienne Nash
Faculty Grant Development Manager-
Key responsibilities
Vivienne is the Grant Development Manager who supports researchers in the Ulster University Business School, as well as the Schools of Medicine and Sport.
Lead for Ulster University Business School. Support for Faculty of Life and Health Sciences.
- Identify and promote relevant research funding calls for the Faculty
- Liaise with external funding agencies to seek intelligence and guidance
- Co-ordinate, cost and review applications and provide support and guidance to researchers
Dr John Mooney
Global Grants Development Manager-
Key responsibilities
John is the Global Grants Manager working on research funding applications for non-UK funders including EU Funders such as Horizon Europe, Global funders and all-Island funders including the PeacePlus programme and the All-Island Initiative.
Ruairi Laing
Research Development Manager-
Key responsibilities
Ruairi is the Research Development Manager who supports researchers across all faculties on strategic, high-value UKRI bids and interdisciplinary research applications.
Andrew Harbinson
Research Development Officer-
Key responsibilities
Andrew is the Research Development Officer who works with all Faculties and Research Development Managers to support projects with low value budgets. Andrew also assists researchers to identify funding opportunities from a range of funders, maintain records in the WorkTribe system and provide additional support for WorkTribe first time users.