Stephen Walford

Stephen is the Associate Director for Research and Knowledge Exchange (Funding and Contracts) in the University of Suffolk Research and Knowledge Exchange Office (RKEO).

Stephen is responsible for providing strategic direction and support for all research and knowledge exchange (RKE) funding and contracts activity across the university, working in partnership with the Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange (PVCRKE), Research Institutes and Schools to acquire new funding and develop and effectively support the delivery of the university’s RKE portfolio.  Stephen leads the delivery of support for the University’s research and knowledge exchange funding and contract activity, including defining and shaping the pre-award and contract management services provided by the RKEO team, and monitoring and maintaining service effectiveness and responsiveness in close consultation with service users across the University.  Stephen also provides executive level strategic advice on RKE funding and contracts to the university Executive team and works closely with the PVCRKE to oversee and manage institutional grant allocations from Research England (including formula-based funding such as QR and HEIF). 

Stephen has worked in the Higher Education Sector since 2007, starting his career within the Research Operations Office at the University of Cambridge.  He has gone on to hold senior professional services positions at King’s College London (School Manager, Population Health and Environmental Sciences), University of Cambridge (Business and Operations Manager, Department of Medicine) and University College London (Departmental Administrator, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases).  Stephen holds a PgCert in Higher Education Leadership, Management and Administration and a BA (Hons) in Business Studies.