British Academy appoints new Director of Resources and Director of Research

The British Academy is delighted to announce the appointments of Vanessa Cuthill as Director of Research and Graeme Appleby as Director of Resources.

Vanessa Cuthill, in her role as Director of Research, will lead the delivery of the Academy’s UK and international research portfolio, ensuring the effective distribution of over £50m in research funding annually. Vanessa arrives from the University of Essex, where she has been Director of Research and Enterprise since 2016, having previously held senior roles at the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). During this time, she commissioned and led projects establishing major social science data resources; led on legislation and policy developments, working closely with a wide range of government departments and other research funders; and has also led research, knowledge exchange and impact programmes at Essex. She will take up the post in November.

Vanessa Cuthill 

As Director of Resources, Graeme Appleby will be responsible for the British Academy’s finance and HR teams, estate, commercial activities and IT. In addition, he will play an important role in transforming the Academy’s regency building on Carlton House Terrace. Graeme’s new role follows 13 years on SOAS University of London’s senior leadership team, where he implemented and formalised planning processes linking strategy, departmental plans and delivery, and helped deliver a £35m building project to consolidate and expand the School’s estate within Senate House, University of London – a grade II listed building. Graeme started work at the Academy in September.

Graeme Appleby

Speaking to the British Academy, Vanessa said:

“I am delighted to be joining the British Academy in the role of Director of Research. The role of the Academy at this time is critical, and I look forward to working with the Fellowship and to enabling research that deepens our understanding of the world around us and tackles the complexities facing society in the UK and globally.”

Of his appointment, Graeme said:

“I am delighted to be joining the British Academy at such an exciting point in its 117-year history. I hope to apply my experience of senior leadership within the Higher Education sector in providing financial and commercial leadership to the Academy.

“I am looking forward to leading on the delivery of the transformative building project within Carlton House and working with all stakeholders to use this as a springboard for a step change in what the Academy can do for its disciplines and how it is viewed as a national and global leader on their behalf.”