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Leeds Beckett appoint new head of research centre
Professor Buda takes over from Professor Emma Wood, who will now concentrate on leading the research at the UK Centre for Events Management.
A newly-appointed Director of the School’s Postgraduate Research Programme, Dr Alexandra Kenyon, will support Professor Buda’s efforts to increase the contribution made by the School’s PhD community.
Professor Buda said: “This is a great privilege as well as a tremendous responsibility to contribute to realising our ICRETH mission of undertaking and disseminating world-leading research in our three subjects: events, tourism, and hospitality.
“Previous ICRETH heads, Professors Rhodri Thomas and Emma Wood have, indeed, left some big shoes to fill. I hope to inspire colleagues to engage ever more fervently with research that is theoretically innovative and societally relevant.”
Professor Buda plans to stimulate the centre's research environment through engaging seminars, a visiting scholars programme, hands-on collegial support for publications, and through relevant assistance for colleagues to submit and capture grant applications.
Commenting on the appointment, Dean of the School Professor Rhodri Thomas said: “In order to remain at the cutting edge of subject development, we need to continue to invest in research and scholarship.
“The kind of leadership that Professor Buda will bring to this aspect of work will ensure that we are able to attract academic talent and deliver degree courses that are well-informed, attractive and relevant.”
Professor Buda, who was the first female tourism professor in Leeds, joined the university in June as a Professor of Tourism Management.
The School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management at Leeds Beckett offers high quality undergraduate and postgraduate education informed by the research of academic staff and their engagement with progressive organisations, including major employers.