Kieran Fenby-Hulse

As Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange and Director of Teesside University's Institute for Collective Place Leadership, I facilitate and enable innovative place-based research to support regional growth, regeneration, and cohesion. My focus is on fostering creative connections that bring together policymakers, communities, businesses, and academics to tackle some of the complex challenges facing regions undergoing significant transition.

Relational leadership and meaningful engagement underpin my research and practice which ranges from policy engagement to cabaret as developmental medium. The essence of my work lies in imagining and envisioning alternative socio-cultural futures, building on my expertise in civic, community and business engagement and impact.

I have an extensive background in research strategy, policy, and capability development, contributing to the strategic development of REF submissions and HR Excellence in Research Awards. I have designed, developed, delivered and facilitated a broad range of developmental and skills programmes at all career levels (NHS Christie Trust, Deloitte), delivered international CPD programmes (British Council, Erasmus+, Irish Research Council), as well as training for universities across the UK (King’s College London, University of Northampton, Liverpool University, Brunel University, Association of Research Managers and Administrators).

My research explores mechanisms and approaches to knowledge exchange and civic engagement and how arts and humanities methods, in particular, can shape, inform and underpin community, business, and policy participation and impact. I am currently working on three interrelated projects:

• South Tees Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC): This project focuses on the strategic development of a shared research infrastructure between Teesside University, Middlesbrough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. My research and practice will support the implementation of research capacity and capability initiatives within both local authorities to enhance and support university-policy engagement.
• Civic Possibilities: This project explores the complexities of place leadership and how university activities, missions, processes and strategies contribute to both an opening up and closing down of civic and regional possibility.
• Cabaret of Possibility: This project looks at how the medium of cabaret can provide an alternative and imaginative format for education and engagement, unsettling traditional notions of CPD, learning and development, and executive education.

I am the co-founder and managing editor for the Journal of Research Management and Administration. I was previously a member of ARMA's EDI Advisory Group and Professional Development Committee, external member for Goldsmiths Research Ethics and Integrity Committee, and an external examiner for Strathclyde's PGCert in Researcher Development and Knowledge Exchange.

I have led modules on responsible leadership, personal and professional development, and business planning and strategy. My teaching focuses on how we can reimagine our future lives and livelihoods through the lens of critical hope.

Managing Editor: Journal of Research Management and Administration