James Walkinshaw (MSc, BSc (Hons))

Research Strategy Manager

Biography

Background

James is currently a Research Strategy Manager within Edinburgh Research Office's Research Strategy Team.

As part of the Research Strategy Team, our goal is to deliver projects that advance the priorities of the Research and Innovation Strategy 2030. We identify opportunities for adjustments in response to changes in the research environment and by providing specialist knowledge and expertise on trends in research funding, emerging opportunities, and international research collaborations we enhance the strategic decision-making capabilities of the University.

James' expertise lie in testing and validating novel methodologies for enhancing engagement with our research missions and challenge areas through the use of Data and AI as well as delivering data-driven insights to guide decision-making. He brings significant experience with data analytics, modelling, reporting, and management, working extensively with both R and Python, alongside a wider knowledge of databases and data architecture.

Previous projects have involved donor and potential donor modelling (Development and Alumni), communications engagement modelling (Development and Alumni), full stack web development using both PHP (Development and Alumni) and Python (Edinburgh Research Office), sector-wide benchmarking and comparison analysis using internal and open source data (Governance and Strategic Planning, and Edinburgh Research Office), and applicant conversion modelling (Governance and Strategic Planning).

Throughout his University career, James has worked with a breadth of university personnel including donors, alumni, students, applicants, researchers, and professional staff, having previously held roles in Development and Alumni as a Senior Systems Officer (2015-2018) and Insight Manager (2018-2021) then as a Strategic Planner and Information Analyst within Governance and Strategic Planning (2021-2024).

Qualifications

MSc Data Science, Technology and Innovation (University of Edinburgh)

BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science (University of Edinburgh)

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