The DTA is the largest multi-partner and only nationwide doctoral training initiative of its kind and builds on the research strengths and industry-focused ethos of University Alliance member institutions. It offers PhD students a fully-funded postgraduate programme, an expert support network and improved employment opportunities.
Welcoming Tara’s appointment, Dr Faye Taylor, Head of Programmes at University Alliance said: “We are delighted to announce that Professor Tara Dean will be taking on the role of DTA National Director. A core principle of the DTA is distributed leadership, and so we are particularly pleased to welcome Tara and 91¶¶Òõ into the leadership team alongside our wonderful DTA Directors and Deputies from Nottingham Trent, Teesside, Sheffield Hallam and Manchester Metropolitan Universities.
“Tara brings a wealth of experience in developing PGR support and building community spirit amongst postgraduates and early career researchers, and currently has overall responsibility for 91¶¶Òõ’s Doctoral College and five RCUK-funded Centres for Doctoral Training, further embedding the cross-fertilisation of benefits between the DTA and national funders. The strategic priorities to further industrial involvement and to seek opportunities to internationalise the DTAs in the next two years will also benefit from Tara’s significant sector and international experience.”