Dr Jennifer Deaville

Date joined RBI and previous employment

Jenny started as Research Development Officer for the Social Sciences in February 2010 in, what was then, the Research Office. She joined RBI as Research Development Manager in 2014. Prior to joining the University Jenny was Research Manager at the Institute of Rural Health, based at Gregynog Hall in Powys. As part of this role Jenny also spent a period working alongside the Research Development Team at Powys Teaching Health Board.

Main responsibilities at previous employment

At the Institute of Rural Health, Jenny was responsible for the research function, including developing and implementing research strategy, winning grant funding, managing research grants and managing the research team.

Education and work experience

Jenny has a BSc (Hons) Geography (1993) and a PhD in Rural Geography (1998) from Coventry University. After her PhD she worked and trained as a Public Health Analyst and then Epidemiologist at Worcestershire Health Authority gaining a Post-graduate diploma in Public Health and Epidemiology (1998, University of Birmingham). Following this, she moved into a career in research management and research development.

Experience and knowledge

Jenny's research background (Geography and rural health) and subsequent experience winning and managing grant funding give her hands on experience and knowledge to draw on in advising and supporting Researchers applying for research grants, particularly in the social sciences. Leading and managing the research function at IRH has given her experience in strategy development, research leadership and management. As part of her role at IRH Jenny spent a period of time providing research support to Powys Teaching Health Board, including sitting on their Research Governance Committee. Her roles in the health sector gave her an understanding of, and keen interest in, research ethics and governance and experience of how Research Ethics Panels and Research Governance Panels work.

Main responsibilities within RBI

Jenny manages the research development function, ensuring a reliable, proactive and professional advice and support service relating to research grant applications and the ethical review of research. Jenny works with the Associate Deans for Research on research development activity to improve the response to research and funding opportunities, and more generally the research culture within the University. She provides research development support for Social Sciences and is responsible for Research Ethics and Integrity support services.

Most enjoyable part of working at Aberystwyth University

Jenny enjoys working in team, especially working alongside researchers, finding out more about their research interests and playing a supportive role in turning ideas into funded projects.