Professor appointed as Director of Research and Enterprise

The new role will see Professor Barnes take responsibility for research and enterprise activity at Leeds Beckett, helping to shape the University’s engagement strategy.

Professor Barnes has researched and published widely on consumer experience and how to build products and experiences that delight consumers.

Speaking about her new role, Professor Barnes said: “I am delighted to be taking over this pivotal new role to enhance the support and direction for the excellent Research and Enterprise activities here at Leeds Beckett, an integral part of our future strategy.  As a University we have many strengths from our research in sport to our engagement with local businesses and I hope to be able to assist all areas to maximise their future potential.”

Professor Andrew Slade, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Enterprise at Leeds Beckett, added: “We are delighted to announce the strategic appointment of Cathy in this newly created senior role to help strengthen our commitment to building our reputation and research and enterprise profile within our region, nationally and internationally.

“We are continuing to expand and enhance our research base and enterprise activity through our Institutes and Centres, creating a strong and sustainable environment for our staff and students and add value to the local economy through education, research and knowledge transfer and we have strong commercial links, with our research being applied directly to industry, giving practical solutions and innovations to businesses.  In the last year our Enterprise team have secured over 100 new contracts with a combined value in excess of £6million. We have established Memoranda of Understanding with Leeds City Council, Wakefield Metropolitan District Council and Wakefield College to support the economic, educational and social development of each locality.” 

Professor Cathy Barnes joined Leeds Beckett University in 2012 and her research work has taken her on a journey from novel ideation techniques such as biomimetics (using nature to innovate) to sensory design. She is particularly interested in how we perceive the world through touch and what this means to why we buy products.

Originally training as a draughtsperson, Cathy started her diverse career in engineering, working on nuclear submarines. After a first degree in Mechanical Engineering, she started her love affair with consumerism by six years in industry, managing factories making everything from cosmetics to crisp packets. Prior to joining Leeds Beckett University she spent 12 years at the University of Leeds researching the consumer experience and managing outreach departments working closely with industry. During this time she led on many research grants applications and has published widely in both academic journals and the trade press.