Mrs Emma Roberts

Emma is a senior research and innovation professional with over 10 years’ experience in higher education, specialising in strategic partnerships, interdisciplinary research, and enabling high-performing teams to deliver impactful research and innovation outcomes.

She is currently a Research and Innovation Application & Funding Manager, where she leads the development of competitive funding applications and supports the delivery of complex, high-value research and innovation programmes. She works closely with academic and professional services colleagues to shape strategic bids, strengthen partnerships, and position research activity for maximum impact and funding success. 

Previously, Emma held roles as Institute for Data Science and AI (IDSAI) Manager and Senior Research Manager for the Business 2030 Research and Impact Workstream. In these roles, she led strategic initiatives aligned to institutional priorities, facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration, and played a central role in developing research strategies, building partnerships, and supporting major funding bids.

Emma has extensive experience supporting academics at all career stages across a wide range of funders, including UKRI, UK Government, and leading charitable organisations. Her expertise spans strategic bid development, research programme design, and fostering collaboration to drive impactful research and innovation outcomes.