Dr Anu Ekanayake
Research Impact, Innovation and Engagement Officer, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
University of Leeds, UK
Speaker Bio:
Anu spent more than a decade peering down microscopes before deciding she'd rather help research change the world than just study it. A biomedical researcher who escaped the lab and moved into research impact, she now helps academics demonstrate the difference their work makes to people, organisations and society. These days, Anu spends much of her time talking about REF, impact case studies and AI. She is particularly interested in using technology to reduce the administrative burden of impact, enabling researchers to identify impact opportunities more quickly and work with impact professionals to make better strategic decisions. She is also passionate about supporting and upskilling research professionals, championing the often-unsung community behind successful research, innovation and impact. Having worked on both sides of the academic fence, Anu's favourite question is: "So what?" (What changed because of your research?) Closely followed by: "Now prove it!" (Do we actually have evidence for that?)