
Dr Sonia Virdee
Associate Director, Research and Faculty Planning
Alumni
This person is a member of Sanger Institute Alumni.
The Sanger Institute has a unique and privileged mission to undertake research at scale based on genome sequences. My role, working closely with the Director, Programme Leads and the Faculty and Research Planning Manger is to support Sanger science and the development of the scientific strategy. This includes new projects and initiatives, shaping future research direction and developing plans arising from changes in strategy. I oversee the GRL wide five year Strategic Plan, working with the Director, COO and the Director of Connecting Science, including the application for core funds every five years; supported by a dedicated project manger I co-ordinate the documentation and site visit for the quinquennial review process. I help to manage relationships with key stakeholders including Wellcome, the Institute's Scientific Advisory Board and GRL Board. I also work closely with the Institute's Board of Management. I have a background in developing strategy and implementing strategic change, including using data to understand opportunities and performance, and spearheading change through strategic projects. I am keen to ensure that the impact of our work is is fully understood, tracked and reviewed. I have an interest in good governance and am a passionate advocate for equality and diversity.
My timeline
Joined Sanger Institute as Associate Director for Research and Faculty Planning
Appointed Board Member of WHEN - Women's HE Network
Director of Strategic Planning and Change / Deputy Secretary, University of Essex
Executive Member of Higher Education Strategic Planners Association (2010-2016)
Director of Strategic Planning, University of Essex
Head of Planning and Academic Development, University of Essex
Head of Science, University of Suffolk
PCGE, University of East Anglia
Lecturer in Biological Science, University of Suffolk
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Research Fellow, University of East Anglia
Awarded PhD Evolutionary Genetics, University of East Anglia
BSc (Hons) Ecological Science, University of Edinburgh