Spotlight on... Jeremy Barraud

What is your role and what does it involve?

I’m based in the Office of the Vice-Provost (Research) and I work across UCL to help strengthen the policies and processes that support our world-leading research. My main focus has been on supporting the Research Operations Committee, which was set up last year to monitor how research is supported at UCL and make the case for change where necessary.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I joined UCL in December – previously I was Deputy Director of Research Management and Administration at University of the Arts London (UAL). UAL is Europe’s largest art and design university and produces about a tenth of the discipline’s research outputs in the UK. I worked on overhauling and running the research support service and overseeing research governance. 

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

At UAL, I oversaw the procurement and delivery of two major IT investments to support research operations. I also led on a successful application for HR Excellence in Research accreditation.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

Since March, I’ve been Convenor to the group dealing with the impact on research caused by the COVID-19 disruption. The group is chaired by Professor Alan Thompson (Dean of the Faculty of Brain Sciences) and involves colleagues from across UCL.

It’s been a challenge setting up a new structure and dealing with the multiple and complex issues the lockdown has created. But it’s been very impressive how colleagues have come together and worked on solutions. We’re now moving towards a focus on the delivery of effective research operations over the next academic year. 

What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Album: What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
Film: Playtime by Jacques Tati
Novel: Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

What do you call a market that sells only sponge, jelly, custard, and cream? 
A trifle bazaar. 

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Tony Hancock, Julian of Norwich, Rembrandt and Sadako Ogata.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Grey hair will be fashionable one day.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I sang in a choir at the Proms last year.

What is your favourite place?

Sitting underneath a tree after a long walk through a wood.