Steph Bales

Steph Bales was appointed Executive Director of Research, Innovation and Business Engagement (RIBE) in August 2026.

Steph is a senior research and innovation leader with over 22 years’ experience in UK higher education, specialising in research strategy, knowledge exchange and institutional transformation. Prior to joining Stirling, she was Director of the Research and Enterprise Office at Teesside University, where she led the development and delivery of research and knowledge exchange strategy, strengthened industry partnerships, and drove significant growth in research income and impact. Under her leadership, the University achieved a substantial increase in quality-related (QR) funding, alongside significant performance in business-facing activity. Prior to then she was Director of Research and Business Services at Northumbria University (2005–2017), where she led major institutional transformation through RAE 2008 and REF 2021, contributing to a 30-place rise in the REF league tables.

Steph brings significant national and international profile through her roles as former Chair of the Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA) and former Chair of the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS), where she has influenced policy and championed equality, diversity and inclusion within the research system.

She is Co-Lead of the £4.5 million Research England-funded Research Professional Futures programme, a major UK initiative designed to strengthen the visibility, capability and career pathways of research professionals across the sector.

Responsibilities

Steph leads the directorate of RIBE and key priorities are focused on: REF 2029, enhancing research culture, environment and financial sustainability and delivering research support, knowledge exchange, and business engagement functions.