Our Faculty leadership
Meet the people who lead the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the The University of Manchester.
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Professor Sarah Sharples, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at The University of Manchester
Sarah Sharples FREng joined Manchester from the University of Nottingham, where she held senior roles including Pro-Vice-Chancellor for EDI and People.
A Professor of Human Factors, she has been Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department for Transport, focusing on automated vehicles, future fuels, and emerging tech. Her research explores people-technology interaction in complex systems across transport, manufacturing and healthcare.
Elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2024, she has also served on the EPSRC Council and in national EDI and professional bodies.
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Catherine Grills, Director of Faculty Operations
As Director of Faculty Operations, Catherine is responsible for Professional Services across the Faculty.
Reporting to the Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, Catherine works closely with the Dean providing sound business advice and leadership on key strategic decisions. As a senior member of the University’s Professional Services Leadership Team, Catherine balances the requirements of the Faculty alongside the need for consistency and collaboration across the wider University.
Catherine has been at the University since 2001 when she started in the Planning team at UMIST and has moved through various leadership roles within School, Faculty and central directorates.
Heads of School
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Professor Sarah Cartmell
Vice Dean and Head of School of Engineering.
Read Sarah's research profile
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Professor Chris Hardacre
Vice Dean and Head of School of Natural Sciences.
Read Chris's research profile
Vice Deans
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Professor Lynne Bianchi
Vice Dean for Social Responsibility, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility.
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Professor Richard Curry
Vice Dean for Research and Innovation.
Read Richard's research profile
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Kieran Flanagan
Interim Vice Dean for Research and Innovation.
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Professor Peter Green
Vice Dean for Teaching, Learning and Student Experience.
Professional Services leadership
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Jo Couling
Lead People Partner - FSE
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Chris Dolan
Head of Research and Business Engagement.
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Kay Hodgson
Director of School Operations - School of Engineering.
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Sarah Lister
Head of Teaching, Learning and Student Experience.
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Gemma Lyons
Head of Faculty Finance.
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Sam Ryder
Director of School Operations - School of Natural Sciences.
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Tom Saunders
Head of Planning, Compliance and Special Projects.
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David Weston
Head of Communications and Marketing.
