Adrian Walters

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT ADRIAN WALTERS

I am a research and innovation professional with over 20 years’ experience helping universities, researchers, and partners turn ambitious ideas into funded projects, real-world impact, and sustainable programmes.My background is in materials science, but my career has evolved at the interface of research strategy, external funding, technology transfer, and trusted research governance. I work closely with academics at all career stages to shape compelling proposals, build interdisciplinary and international collaborations, navigate funder and regulatory requirements, and strengthen the long-term impact of their research.I have led and supported successful bids across UKRI, Innovate UK, Royal Society, Carbon Trust, EU and industrial funding streams, securing many millions of pounds in research and translational funding. This includes directing large strategic programmes, coordinating complex consortia, and guiding projects from early concept through delivery, compliance, and impact reporting.A core strength of my work is translation: helping researchers move from discovery to application. As a Registered Technology Transfer Professional, I have supported spin-outs, licensing, entrepreneurship training, and industry partnerships, and I have twice been awarded the Armourers & Brasiers’ Materials Science Venture Prize. I am particularly experienced in bridging the gap between deep technical research and the needs of funders, policymakers, investors, and end users.In my current role, I combine research development leadership with responsibility for trusted research and research security, ensuring that collaboration, innovation, and compliance move forward together. I provide horizon scanning, strategic advice, proposal development support, and governance guidance, while also contributing to REF-related impact development and research culture initiatives.I am motivated by work that is ethical, enabling, and purposeful: supporting researchers to succeed, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that excellent science delivers genuine societal benefit.