New Executive Director appointed to drive research and innovation ambitions

The University of Stirling has appointed Steph Bales as the new Executive Director of Research, Innovation and Business Engagement (RIBE).

Bringing more than two decades of experience in research strategy, knowledge exchange and organisational leadership, Steph will play a key role in advancing the University’s research and innovation ambitions, working with colleagues across the institution to strengthen research excellence, enhance impact and build sustainable partnerships that support innovation and growth.

Steph is currently Director of the Research and Enterprise Office at Teesside University and was previously Director of Research and Business Services at Northumbria University. She has also chaired the Association of Research Managers and Administrators and the International Network of Research Management Societies.

When she takes up her new role in August, Steph will lead the RIBE directorate in enhancing research quality, building strategic partnerships, and creating sustainable pathways for innovation and knowledge exchange.

Steph Bales

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “Steph’s extensive experience of leading research and knowledge exchange activity, and a strong track record of delivering transformational change, will strengthen the University’s continued contribution to research, innovation and economic development.

“Working with an outstanding team, Steph’s inspirational leadership and ambition for the University will support the delivery of our strategic priorities.”

Steph Bales said: “I look forward to working with a well-established and high-achieving RIBE team, and with colleagues across the University, to drive forward our ambition to ensure our world-leading research and innovation delivers prosperity both nationally and globally.”

Steph Bales 

Steph Bales 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.

Steph is currently Director of the Research and Enterprise Office at Teesside University, where she has led the development and delivery of research and knowledge exchange strategy, strengthened industry partnerships, and driven 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.

Previously, 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.

A highly experienced leader, Steph has a strong track record of building high-performing, inclusive teams and delivering complex organisational change. She has led the professionalisation of research and innovation services, established partnership frameworks, and implemented performance-led approaches to research development and external engagement.

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.

Steph began her career in education before moving into research, local government and higher education leadership.