Understanding the Role: Director of Research, Knowledge Exchange & Innovation (RKEI) at UCA

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is offering a prestigious opportunity for an ambitious and visionary academic leader to shape its research and innovation agenda. The newly-defined role of Director of Research, Knowledge Exchange & Innovation (RKEI) is a pivotal position within one of the UK’s leading creative institutions. This role integrates key areas—research, knowledge exchange (KE), and innovation—serving as a bridge between academia, industry, cultural institutions, and international stakeholders.

The position offers the chance to define how UCA nurtures practice-based research, forges strategic partnerships, and delivers world-class research outcomes that influence national and global creative industries. Working across UCA’s vibrant Surrey and Kent campuses, and contributing to an expanding international network (including collaborations in China), the Director will play a vital role in embedding a culture of research excellence and creative innovation.

In addition, this role provides an exceptional pathway for academic growth. The successful candidate has the potential to be appointed at an Associate Professor or Professor level, depending on their qualifications, achievements, and leadership experience.

Key Responsibilities

As the Director of RKEI, you will:

• Lead and implement a university-wide Research, Knowledge Exchange, and Innovation strategy.
• Oversee UCA’s Research Centres, Galleries, Research Degrees, and staff/student research development.
• Manage UCA’s submissions for REF (Research Excellence Framework) and KEF (Knowledge Exchange Framework), maintaining a focus on measurable impact, ethics, and interdisciplinarity.
• Cultivate high-value institutional partnerships with governments, cultural organisations, industry, and civic bodies worldwide.
• Expand research funding streams and develop commercialisation opportunities for innovative projects.
• Represent UCA as a thought leader in national and international conferences, research councils, and KE networks.
• Build an inclusive research environment that supports the professional growth of the creative community at UCA.

What UCA Offers

UCA is more than just a university; it is a global hub for creativity, sustainability, and innovation. With a prestigious reputation in creative industries and a rich heritage in design, art, and interdisciplinary practices, UCA enables faculty, researchers, and students to actively shape cultural, societal, and economic futures. This role offers the opportunity to not only lead impactful research but also influence policy in areas like sustainability and creative entrepreneurship while positioning UCA as a leader in global higher education.

This position places you at the cutting edge of next-generation creative academic work, providing you with the tools to make a tangible difference in the world.

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Advice for Applicants: The International Education Perspective

If you aspire to join UCA as the Director of RKEI, it’s essential to understand that this role goes beyond traditional academic leadership. It places you in the heart of an international ecosystem that values cross-cultural collaboration and creative knowledge exchange. Here’s how you can strengthen your application:

1. Demonstrate your Global Outlook

UCA’s international partnerships, particularly its growing presence in China and other regions, make experience in cross-border collaboration a significant asset. Highlight your previous work in leading international research teams, forging global partnerships, or contributing to transnational research projects. Emphasise your ability to navigate different academic and cultural contexts, which is critical in a university with an expanding international reach.

2. Showcase Leadership in Research Excellence

UCA’s reputation thrives on practice-based, arts-focused, and interdisciplinary research. Integrating innovation and creativity into research that delivers real-world impact is central to the role. Share examples of research initiatives you have led that showcase measurable outcomes and societal relevance. Include any experience preparing REF/KEF submissions or managing complex research funding portfolios as evidence of your leadership abilities.

3. Highlight Engagement with Creative Industries

Experience within the creative industries or arts-based research is particularly valued for this role. Demonstrate your capability to bridge academia and industry. For instance, share examples of translating research into creative enterprise partnerships, curating cultural collaborations, or developing entrepreneurial innovation projects that have meaningful commercial or community impacts.

4. Articulate a Vision for Sustainable Innovation

UCA is deeply committed to sustainability and fostering creative solutions for contemporary challenges. As a candidate, you’ll need to outline how you would develop and implement strategies for research and innovation that incorporate sustainable practices and address global challenges. Highlight any prior work linking the creative industries to themes of sustainability, digital transformation, or social impact.

5. Tailor Your Application to International Audiences

Given UCA’s international presence, tailoring your application with a broader, global perspective is crucial. Include examples of how your previous roles have contributed to the internationalisation of research and innovation. Articulate your understanding of how creative education plays a role in global equity and inclusion.

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Application Process

To apply for this exciting leadership role, prepare a comprehensive application package that clearly aligns your experience, achievements, and ambitions with the requirements of the role. You’ll want to include:

• A tailored CV that highlights your academic, professional, and leadership experience in research, knowledge exchange, and innovation.
• A cover letter that outlines your vision for UCA’s RKEI Strategy, emphasising how you would expand its international networks, foster sustainable innovation, and elevate its creative research strengths.
• Evidence of successful funding awards, partnerships, and impactful interdisciplinary projects.

For an informal discussion about the role, interested applicants are encouraged to contact Alessandro Bruno at Alessandro.Bruno@uca.ac.uk (EA to Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anastasios Maragiannis). Make the most of this opportunity to clarify expectations, express interest, and align your application to UCA’s strategic vision.

This is your chance to join a world-class university and play a transformative role in redefining the relationship between creativity, research, and global innovation!