Double appointment for Nexus
Nexus – the University’s new £40m innovation centre – has strengthened its team with the appointment of two experienced figures from the worlds of research and innovation.
Dr Harrison Evans and Chelsea Hardy have joined Nexus as Collaboration Manager and Engagement Manager respectively
Adding to a dedicated team responsible for facilitating productive new working partnerships and collaborations between businesses and the University, Chelsea Hardy joins Nexus as Engagement Manager.
She will be responsible for initial liaison with organisations, matching business needs to the University’s research, facilities and talent.
Chelsea brings extensive experience of creating successful collaboration opportunities with small businesses and large organisations. She joins from J.P. Morgan’s FinTech (financial technology) team within the Corporate and Investment Bank and is a keen FinTech advocate, having worked with numerous start-ups from idea to product delivery.
As Collaboration Manager, Dr Harrison Evans will provide Nexus members with seamless access to the academic expertise, facilities and talent at Leeds, and will oversee its existing commercial relationships across Research and Innovation, and the wider University.
He will also be intrinsically involved in building relationships with businesses in the Nexus community by gaining an understanding of their needs, connecting them to the right partners – both within the University and externally – and providing oversight to the partnership.
His most recent post at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) saw him work across innovation programmes, promoting partnerships and facilitating collaborations between industry and NIHR-funded infrastructure.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr Evans said: “I’m looking forward to building a fantastic community here at Nexus and engaging with collaborators to make a positive contribution to the region’s wider business community.”
Chelsea added: “I’m delighted to be joining the Nexus team. The University has a strong reputation for its interactions with business and I’ve witnessed first-hand how business models can be accelerated through true collaboration and partnership and see this as a brilliant opportunity to leverage the vibrant ecosystem in Leeds.”
Dr Martin Stow, Nexus Director, said: “Nexus is all about helping organisations to harness ideas and translate them into real business opportunities.
“Chelsea will be a tremendous asset for facilitating productive working partnerships and collaborations between academic experts and business, and Harrison’s experience will prove invaluable as he builds strong relationships with businesses, connecting them to the University’s world-class research and innovation.”
Based in a brand new £40m building on the University campus, Nexus will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including office and lab space, collaboration areas, event and meeting space and a dedicated team responsible for facilitating productive working partnerships and collaborations.
Connecting businesses to the University’s world-class research and facilities and talent, Nexus will give businesses a competitive edge in a dynamic market.
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