Dr Sandra Messenger

Background

An experienced and enthusiastic Knowledge Exchange Manager with a professional background in the higher education industry.

Key areas include: Collaborative Research and Development (R&D), Innovation, Grant Funding, Critical thinking, Knowledge Exchange training, Advocating interdisciplinary approaches, Leadership, Project Management and STEM Ambassador activities.

Core qualifications

PH.D | 2005 | THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Plant Biochemistry

BSC (HONS) | 2001 | THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Plant Science

PRINCE2 | ISSUED JUN 2018 | AXELOS GLOBAL BEST PRACTICE
Foundation and Practitioner

Patent (inventor): Process for the manufacture of butanol or acetone.
Patent date Issued May 8, 2013; Patent issuer and number: gb EP 2588620 A1

Professional Bodies: ARMA and Praxis Auril

Current activities

Knowledge Exchange Manager

An overview of key responsibilities include:

Identification of opportunities and delivery

1. Supporting Knowledge Exchange grant submissions and delivering Knowledge Exchange training across all schools
2.To have strategic discussions with industry partners on Knowledge Exchange grant funding opportunities and to link relevant external business knowledge gaps with internal academic expertise and apply funding opportunities
3.Taking complex ideas at conception stage through to submission and, in the case of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme (KTP), post-award management of projects.
4.KTP portfolio programme management (pre- and post-award)
5.Management of service gaps and development of initiatives to stimulate uptake of KE opportunities

Government, policy and funder priorities for internal Knowledge Exchange funding strategy implementation

1. Liaising and maintaining close links with key contacts in funding agencies (e.g. UKRI), key organisations (e.g. Knowledge Transfer Network; KTN) and Knowledge Exchange networks
2.Oversee and advise across the University on the continually changing priorities of Knowledge Exchange funding opportunities and frameworks (Knowledge Exchange Framework; KEF)
3.Active involvement in KEF pilot workshops
4.Raising profiles of industrial-academic collaborations that have been impactful and successful

Block funding management

1. EPSRC IAA Programme Management
2.BBSRC Seeding Catalyst (2018) and EPSRC Institutional Sponsorship (2017)

Chair of Knowledge Transfer Partnership regional manager's group

1.Voted in as Chair of the London, South East, and East KTP Offices Regional Group that represents 23 HE institutions
2.Served a term (2 years) on the KTP National Forum (2016 – 2018)

STEM ambassador (public engagement: voluntary work supported by Cranfield)

1. Working closely with the teaching staff responsible for the Academy science curriculum, I have provided regular fun practical classes and support to Primary school children

2. Giving tangible support that has subsequently enabled teachers to independently undertake some of the practical classes

3. Presentation and involvement in Women in Engineering event for schools at Cranfield

Clients

Current and past clients include, but are not limited to:

Siemens

RHS

Primagraphics

Renishaw

Mott MacDonald

Aveillant

Autoglym

Publications

• Articles in journals