The Development Programme for Directors of Research (DPDoR) helps those who are preparing for the role of Director of Research to build leadership capacity; to better understand the complexities of the role; and the nuances of delivering a research strategy and mission in these highly uncertain times.
DPDoR has successfully run for over 15 years as part of a joint initiative between the Chartered Association of Business Schools and the British Academy of Management. During this time, the programme has prepared around 250 senior academics to lead their institutions’ research and navigate the internal and external demands of the day.
DPDoR 2025-26 will take place in person with four interactive sessions taking place throughout the year to support you to develop your strategic approach and build a strong leadership network within the UK business school community.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, you will have deepened your understanding about the role of Director of Research and about the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are important in the role. You will have had the opportunity to:
-
Build and enhance the skills and competencies required to be an effective Director of Research
-
Understand how the current external research, funding and policy environment affects your strategy for business and management research
-
Gain confidence in managing internal pressures, relationships, faculty performance and HR.
-
Explore approaches to managing the REF process from strategy, implementation and the presentation of results
-
Work towards your professional development and learning objectives in the context of your institution's research priorities strategy
Who should apply?
- Directors of Research
- Those working towards the role of Director of Research
Programme
DPDoR 2025/26 will take place in person in London with four interactive sessions taking place throughout the year to support you to develop your strategic approach and build a strong leadership network within the UK business school community.
Session 1 - Setting the scene for research leadership in UK business schools: Diversity of experiences and working together
Date: Thursday 20th - Friday 21st November 2025, London
Venue: Chartered ABS Office, 40 Queen Street, EC4R 1DD
Session One – Participants in the DPDoR programme are a diverse group of academics, at various career stages, and based in different types of UK business schools. This session uses participatory learning exercises and guest speakers to understand the diversity of experiences, contexts, aspirations and challenges for Deans Directors of Research. We will also begin the work of building the 2025/26 DPDoR cohort into a supportive group of colleagues who can learn from one another during and outside/beyond the programme sessions. The session will also focus on working with and influencing key colleagues and becoming and effective leader. Confirmed speakers are Professor Stewart Robinson – Dean Newcastle University Business School, Chair Chartered ABS Council; Dr Hannah Lynch – Research Manager, Newcastle University Business School; Prof Matthew Brannon – Head of Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University; Professor Ali Z. Bigdeli, Associate Dean Research & Enterprise, Aston Business School.
Session 1 Agenda
Overview
This opening session introduces the responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities facing Associate Deans and Directors of Research. Participants explore how to navigate strategic and operational dimensions of the role, foster effective research cultures, and lead with shared values and purpose.
Day One – 20 November
13:00 – 14:00 | Welcome and Introduction
Professor Abigail Marks, Newcastle University
An introduction to the evolving landscape of research leadership in business schools.
14:00 – 15:30 | Understanding the Role: Strategic and Operational Dimensions
Professors Abigail Marks, Newcastle University & Ali Z. Bigdeli, Aston University
Balancing strategic priorities, academic leadership, and the management of people and culture.
16:00 – 17:30 | Shared Values, Differences, and Good Leadership
Professor Matthew Brannan, Northumbria University
Exploring leadership values, styles, and approaches across business schools.
Day Two – 21 November
09:00 – 10:45 | Working Together – Challenges and Thoughts
Prof. Stewart Robinson, Dr Hannah Lynch, Prof. Abigail Marks, Newcastle University
Addressing collaboration challenges and aligning goals across institutional levels.
11:15 – 12:15 | Mapping and Working with Key Supporters and Allies
Professor Abigail Marks, Newcastle University
Identifying and engaging allies to strengthen research leadership capacity.
Session 2 - Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Research Culture and Environment
Date: Thursday 22nd - Friday 23rd January 2026, London
Venue: Chartered ABS Office, 40 Queen Street, EC4R 1DD
Session Two – Session Two will focus on how to develop an inclusive and supportive research culture and environment, when operating in such a challenging financial ecosystem. This session will look at different models of, and the management of research budgets; balancing the competing demands of income generation, publishing and impact and managing metrics. This session will also evaluate the ideology and principles behind the new People, Culture and Environment strand in REF, and the premise that poor cultures lead to poor research. We will also be focusing on how to remain resilient in an increasingly complex world.
As Elizabeth Gadd wrote in Wonkhe
‘Research culture is a hygiene factor. We need to set the standard below which we must not fall, rather than making research culture the next big competition in Higher Education. It’s about stemming the loss: the loss of good people (through lack of diversity, poor leadership, toxic behaviours, lack of career paths, recognition, and reward) and the loss of quality (through questionable research practices, closed and irreproducible research), and not a short-cut to gain’.
Confirmed Speakers include Professor Oliver Mallett – (Ex) Associate Dean Research, Professor of Management Stirling Management School; Professor Craig Robinson, Vice Dean Education, Kings Business School, Kings College London
Session 2 Agenda
Overview
This session focuses on creating an inclusive, supportive research culture while managing financial, cultural, and human complexities. The two days combine practical management guidance with reflective leadership development.
Day One – 22 January
13:00 – 14:00 | Finance and Research Management
Professor Chendi Zhang, University of Exeter Business School
Managing research budgets and aligning financial strategies with institutional priorities.
14:00 – 15:30 | Managing Early Career Researchers (ECRs)
Professor Oliver Mallett, University of Stirling
Supporting and developing ECRs through mentoring and inclusive research communities.
16:00 – 17:30 | Managing Metrics and Culture
Professor Abigail Marks, Newcastle University
Interpreting research metrics thoughtfully and aligning them with values and wellbeing.
Day Two – 23 January
09:00 – 10:45 | Effective Leadership of a Team
Kate Carmichael, Ascent Leadership (TBC)
Understanding effective, empathetic leadership and fostering team engagement.
11:15 – 12:15 | Resilience as an Academic Leader
Professor Craig Robinson, King’s College London
Exploring personal and organisational resilience in the academic context.
Session 3 - Developing Ourselves and Our Colleagues
Date: Thursday 19th - Friday 20th March 2026, London
Venue: Chartered ABS Office, 40 Queen Street, EC4R 1DD
Session Three – Session Three will focus on developing ourselves and our colleagues, we will look at how to nurture a diverse community of researchers, and how to build an inclusive and supportive research culture that values varied research contributions and career pathways. Topics include promoting equality, diversity and inclusion; nurturing early career researchers; developing postgraduate researchers; supporting and managing research performance; supporting research leadership development; supporting your own career. Confirmed speakers include, Dr Lynne Baxter – School for Business and Society, University of York; Professor Martyna Sliwa, University of Bath, School of Management.
Session 3 Agenda
Overview
This session explores how to support others while continuing personal development as a research leader, focusing on inclusivity, mentoring, and personal effectiveness.
Day One – 19 March
13:15 – 14:30 | Supporting the PhD Community
Dr Lynne Baxter, University of York
Building thriving doctoral communities and fostering belonging and resilience.
14:30 – 15:45 | EDI and Research Management
Professor Martyna Śliwa, University of Bath
Embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in research management and culture.
16:15 – 17:15 | Reflection and Moving Forward
Professor Abigail Marks, Newcastle University
Reflecting on inclusive and effective leadership, applying lessons within institutional settings.
Day Two – 20 March
09:00 – 10:45 | Developing and Managing Your Career
Kiersten Avery, Anderson Quigley
Leadership career development — navigating transitions and maintaining authenticity.
11:15 – 12:15 | Continuing Your Own Research While Leading Others
Professors Sian Moore (Anglia Ruskin, TBC) & Abigail Marks (Newcastle University)
Balancing leadership with maintaining a personal research identity.
Session 4 - Understanding and preparing for REF2029 and supporting Accreditation
Date: Thursday 21st - Friday 22nd May 2026
Venue: Chartered ABS Office, 40 Queen Street, EC4R 1DD
Session Four – Session Four will focus on REF and the impact of REF on the role of the ADR/DoR. This session will look at how to work with REF rather than against it. We will have contribution from REF panel members as well as those that are responsible for the implementation of REF strategy. In addition to focusing on REF preparation, we will look at the role of the ADR/DoR in supporting and delivering accreditation.Confirmed speakers include - Prof Jeannie Shorley - Faculty Director of Accreditations, Academic Director of The Centre for Enterprise, Manchester Metropolitan University; Professor Mark Stuart, Pro Dean for Research and Innovation, Leeds University Business School. Professor Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, Department of Economics, University of Birmingham.
Session 4 Agenda
Overview
This final session examines how REF 2029 will shape the future of research leadership. Participants hear directly from current and former REF panel members and explore how to prepare their institutions for the next cycle.
Day One – 21 May
13:00 – 13:15 | Welcome and Introduction
Professor Abigail Marks, Newcastle University
Framing the importance of leadership in navigating REF 2029.
13:15 – 15:00 | Understanding and Preparing for REF 2029 – Panel Perspectives
Speakers include:
- Professor Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, University of Birmingham (RDAP, REF 2029)
- Professor Mark Stuart, Leeds University Business School (PCE Pilot Panel, REF 2029)
- Professor Terry Williams, University of Hull (Former REF Panel Member)
- Professor Abigail Marks, Newcastle University (RDAP, REF 2029)
15:15 – 17:30 | Preparing for REF 2029 – Leadership Reflections and Institutional Readiness
Facilitator: Professor Abigail Marks, Newcastle University
Interactive discussion on readiness for REF 2029, focusing on strategy, data, inclusion, and ethical leadership.
Day Two – 22 May
09:00 – 10:45 | Understand Accreditation
Professor Jennie Shorley Manchester Metropolitan University
11:15 – 12:15 | Moving Forward and End of Course
Professor Abigail Marks
Session Format
All modules are 24 hour 'lunch-to-lunch' sessions, the usual format being:
Day One:
12:00: Registration & lunch
13:00: Day One session starts
The programme will include break(s)
17:00: Day One session concludes
19:00: Dinner
Day Two:
08:30: Refreshments
09:00: Day Two session starts
The programme will include break(s)
13:00: Day Two programme concludes with lunch after which participants depart
Fees
Programme fee: £4,275
Booking deadline: 6th November 2025, 17:00 UK time
If you are planning to attend the 2025-2026 programme and are awaiting funding, please complete your expression of interest by clicking here.
Note: Due to the nature of the programme which focuses on personal development and encourages frank and open discussion, it may not always be suitable for two participants to attend from the same institution. If we receive more than one registration from individuals at the same institution we will notify the institution and the participants, taking account of when the registrations were received, and ask for guidance on whether one or both can attend in the same cohort. The cohort is limited to a maximum of 20. Once all places are taken, applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
For enquiries or questions, please contact: Ambra Risca on [email protected]
Facilitator
Professor Abigail Marks, Professor of Future of Work and Associate Dean Research, Newcastle University
Professor Abigail Marks is a distinguished research leader with a 30 year career spanning senior academic and strategic roles across multiple universities. Currently Professor of the Future of Work and Associate Dean for Research at Newcastle University, she has previously served as Associate Dean of Research at Heriot-Watt University, and Associate Dean of Business Engagement at both Stirling Management School and Edinburgh Business School.
Her expertise lies in advancing institutional research excellence and shaping national research policy. She serves on the REF 2029 Research Diversity Advisory Panel (RDAP), draws on extensive experience as a REF coordinator, UoA lead, and impact champion, and has chaired funding panels for major international councils including FORTE and NordForsk. A Fellow of the BAM Peer Review College and member of the CABS Policy Committee, she has contributed to UK, and European research agendas, as well as providing evidence to UK and European parliaments.
Her research, grounded in sociology, examines the future of work, financial exclusion, class and occupational identity, and the impacts of technology on working lives. She has led large-scale UKRI and industry-funded projects, published widely, and regularly contributes to policy and public debate.
Alongside her research leadership, Abigail is a qualified coach and mentor, supporting senior academic leaders. Internationally, she has forged doctoral and executive partnerships with universities in Germany, China, and Australia, enhancing the global reach of UK research and education.
Testimonials
“I really valued the community of Research Directors that this programme enabled me to connect with. Sharing experiences in candid conversations made this totally worthwhile.”
Professor Katy Mason, PVC Dean and Professor of Markets, University of Salford
“This has been an excellent experience. A good balance of interesting guest speakers and discussion within the group. I am going away with a more strategic focus and lots of good ideas I can implement within my institution.”
Dr Marian Iszatt-White, Lecturer in Department of Leadership and Management and LUMS Doctoral Director, Lancaster University Management School
“The programme has been excellent and the input and discussion thought provoking”
Professor Helen Shipton, Professor of International Human Resource Management and Co-Director of the Centre of People, Work and Organisational Practice, Nottingham Business School
“This was an excellent programme”
Will Harvey, Associate Dean (Research & Impact), University of Exeter
“This was an extraordinary experience, better than my best expectations!”
Alcino Azevedo, Senior Lecturer in Finance, Aston Business School