Exeter professor appointed to influential global research advisory group

Professor Katrina Brown is one of five new members to have been appointed to the Strategic Advisory Group of the prestigious Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).

The group, which now has 15 members in total, provides independent advice on the strategic research priorities of the GCRF to major UK funders, and ensures the fund takes a prominent role in addressing challenges faced by developing countries.

Professor Brown, from Exeter’s Geography department and whose research focuses on environmental change, international development, vulnerability and resilience said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed to the Strategic Advisory Group.

“The role offers unprecedented opportunities to drive the UK’s world-leading research to exciting and important new levels on a global scale, and to make sure research really does make a difference in tackling global development and environmental challenges.

“ The Research Fund plays a pivotal role in harnessing this exceptional research talent and driving its ability to deliver cutting-edge developments, and I am thrilled to play a part in its future success.”

Drs Astrid Wissenburg, Director of Research at the University of Exeter, commented: “we are hugely pleased Professor Brown has been appointed to this role as a reflection of her outstanding research expertise in this area.”

The Global Challenges Research Fund is an initiative from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and operates across a number of delivery partners including: the UK Research Councils, the Higher Education Funding Councils for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Academy of Medical Sciences, Royal Society, British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and UK Space Agency.

GCRF aims to harness the expertise of the UK’s research base and to pioneer new ways of tackling global challenges such as strengthening global peace, security and governance; strengthening resilience and responses to crises; promoting global prosperity; and tackling extreme poverty to help the world’s most vulnerable people and places.