NIHR Research Delivery Network leaders announced
The new joint Executive Directors of the NIHR Research Delivery Network have been appointed.
Ann Wieland and Sarah Fallon, who have been leading the network in an interim capacity for the past 10 months, will continue in their roles on a permanent basis. The UK-wide NIHR Research Delivery Network has been co-ordinated by the University of Leeds following a successful tendering bid in November 2023.
Professor Mark Kearney, Executive Dean of Leeds’ Faculty of Medicine and Health, said he was thrilled to make the announcement. He said: “This is a thoroughly deserved and exciting appointment, with both individuals demonstrating powerful and complementary leadership skills, in a highly competitive selection process which included University of Leeds and Department of Health and Social Care colleagues and wider NIHR representatives and stakeholders.
“Ann and Sarah have done an outstanding job of jointly leading the RDN over the past 10 months in an interim capacity, taking on a number of additional responsibilities to guide the RDN through a period of change and transformation. As they now step fully into the role of RDN Executive Director, they will lay out their vision for their joint leadership approach over the coming weeks and months. “I'm excited to see the RDN go from strength to strength under their leadership partnership, and delighted that we have been able to support this joint appointment approach in such a senior role.
Sarah has been appointed following a senior career in health and care research leadership. This includes leading national programmes to strengthen research set-up, improve system performance and accelerate the delivery of commercial and non-commercial studies. She joined the NIHR in 2011 and was recently the RDN's Network Operations Director.
Sarah said: “I’m thrilled to take on this role at such an important time for health and care research. By working closely across the system, we can strengthen research delivery, accelerate support and ensure more communities benefit from research. Together, we will build on the strong foundations already in place to deliver a truly collaborative, high-performing network.”
Ann, a highly experienced corporate head, joined the NIHR in 2009 after a successful career in the commercial private sector, and has more recently been the RDN's Corporate Operations Director.
Ann reflected: "This is an incredible role and one that I am honoured to be appointed to. There are many challenges, but these are far outweighed by the opportunities ahead. Opportunities for our world-leading infrastructure to deliver even more - for the health and wealth of the nation."
The University was selected by the Department of Health and Social Care to lead the NIHR Research Delivery Network Coordinating Centre, a five-year contract beginning on 1 April 2024.
Based in Leeds, the centre employs more than 270 people. It works across England’s health and care system, with staff in all settings, to support the effective and efficient initiation and delivery of research. Working with other parts of the NIHR it is responsible for the knowledge and skill development of the whole health research and development workforce, helping to address health and economic inequalities across the Leeds city region and nationally.
