Dr Jenny Knapp has joined BDFI as Director of Programmes and Operations to oversee the delivery and success of BDFI-awarded programmes, the first of which is a £100 million investment in space and facilities by Research England, 27 BDFI partners and the University of Bristol.
Jenny brings extensive experience of large-scale, multisector collaborations, having spent 12 years leading strategic programmes for the University’s Research and Enterprise Development team before helping deliver the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus project. She also takes responsibility for the running of BDFI’s specialist facilities. Originally an insect biologist by training, Jenny continues to be a long-term STEM Ambassador.
Jenny said:
"BDFI has a bold mission underpinned by world-class facilities, and a vibrant research and partner community. I am delighted to work alongside the Academic Directors to deliver the Institute’s inaugural £100m programme, which includes the worlds first reality emulator".
Most recently, Hayley Shaw joined BDFI as inaugural Institute and Partnerships Manager. Hayley is responsible for connecting researchers across disciplines, initiating and accelerating new research ideas and developing thriving research infrastructure. Hayley joins BDFI from her previous role as Manager of the University’s Cabot Institute for the Environment, where she brought together multidisciplinary teams to tackle pressing environmental challenges, and has a background in horizon scanning and foresight.
Hayley said:
"I’m delighted to join an institute committed to working across disciplines and sectors, and to creating more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous futures for all. By working together in fundamentally different ways, we can accelerate digital innovation in a way that is fit for future society”.
Both appointments will enable BDFI to focus on its mission to transform the way digital technologies are created so that they promote inclusive, prosperous and sustainable futures for all.
Anyone wishing to explore opportunities affiliated with the Institute’s Research England award or facilities should can contact Jenny, while those interested in finding out more about the Institute’s research network and partnership opportunities are welcome to connect with Hayley.