Faculty Committee
What is the Faculty Committee?
Chaired by the Dean, the Faculty Committee provides a forum for consideration and discussion of strategic issues and developments, including overall Faculty performance, the performance of our three Schools, learning and teaching, the student experience, research matters and social responsibility, and, in particular, their implications for the work and activities of colleagues.
The Committee also have the right to express an opinion directly to the Senate or to the University Board of Governors if the members wish it.
The Faculty Committee comprises a mix of ex-officio and elected colleagues, plus three students as follows:
- Ashley Blom, Vice-President and Dean
- Allan Pacey, Deputy Vice-President and Deputy Dean
- Our Vice-Deans - Georgina Moulton for Teaching, Learning and Student Experience, Natalie Gardiner for Social Responsibility, Andy Trafford for Research and Innovation, Keith Brennan for Internationalisation and Paul Dark, Vice Dean for Health Care Partnerships.
- Our three Vice-Deans and Heads of School - Simon Hubbard for SBS, Hilary Mairs for SHS and Andy Brass for SMS
- Eight members of Academic and Research staff elected by members of the Faculty (including their tenure from 2020 to the 31 August on the year indicated):
Caroline Bowsher, SBS (2025-2028)
Antje Heinrich, SHS (2024-2027)
Gloria Lopez-Castejon, SBS (2024-2027)
John McLaughlin, SMS (2025-2028)
Samina Naseeb, SBS (2025-2028)
Christos Tapeinos, SHS (2025-2028)
Matt Byrne, SMS (from 1 September 2026)
David Collett, SHS (from 1 September 2026)
Silke Conen, SMS (from 1 September 2026)
Enam Haque, SMS (from 1 September 2026)
- Four members of Professional Services staff elected by members of the Faculty:
David Knight, Core Facilities (2024- 2027)
Kelly Salimian, TLSE SBS (2024-2027)
Albert Jennings, Doctoral Academy from (1 September 2026)
Rachel Watkins, Technical Services) from (1 September 2026)
- One student
tbc
In addition, the Executive Director of Faculty Operations is Secretary to the Committee.
Have your say
Join in conversations on strategic issues on our Yammer group. We'd love to hear from you.
Minutes and upcoming meetings
The elected members
The elected members are your voice on the Committee. Our aims are:
- To be approachable
- To represent everyone's views
- To promote consultation with our senior leadership team on issues of strategic importance
- To be open and transparent
How to get in touch
Please contact any of the elected members, contact details are included below.
Elected academic and research staff
Caroline Bowsher
Areas: Molecular and Cellular Function
Email: caroline.bowsher@manchester.ac.uk
Caroline's profile
As a recognised scientist, researcher, teacher and educational leader I value the opportunities that working with others brings to any scenario. I have a good understanding of Research, Teaching and Learning structures and underlying issues, including regulations and quality assurance. I have gained this knowledge through representing and leading School, Faculty and University wide initiatives. I have a successful record of working with colleagues at all levels of seniority and experience and ensuring there is a culture to allow individuals to feel valued and empowered.
Furthermore, my contribution to the development, mentoring, career management and support of significant numbers of colleagues will be an underpinning ethos for all my interactions as a member of the Faculty Committee.
Antje Heinrich
Areas: Human Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, Teaching and Learning.
Email: antje.heinrich@manchester.ac.uk
Antje's profile
I am a member of the School of Health Sciences (SHS) in the Division of Psychology, Communication, and Human Neuroscience. I engage in both lab-based discovery research and clinical translational work. As Senior PGR Tutor and a supervisor on various PG programmes, I am closely involved with postgraduate teaching, research and welfare. Through my involvement with the School PGR committee I contribute to the running of PGR programmes at SHS School level.
I joined the Faculty Committee in 2021. In my position I provide a link of communication between those who are responsible for planning and rolling out initiatives across FBMH and the staff on the ground. Recently these developments have included the work contribution model, discussions about introducing apprenticeship programmes, the roll-out of the student experience programme and the five-year. As an elected member of the Faculty Committee, I strive to inform colleagues about the latest developments on faculty level, for instance by attending staff meetings in different Divisions. I also aim to elicit feedback from staff on how well these initiatives are implemented and what issues might have arisen. As group of elected members we meet regularly to see where similar challenges exist across Divisions and Schools and combine and coordinate efforts to bring concerns and challenges to the attention of the Faculty Leadership Team.
I have greatly benefitted from joining the Faculty Committee. Not only have I developed a closer rapport with the colleagues in my Division as someone who informs them about faculty-wide developments and takes their concerns to the FLT, but I have also developed much closer relationships with colleagues, both academic and non-academic, across other Divisions and Schools in FBMH. Moreover, I feel much better informed about the strategic considerations behind developments at School and Faculty level.
In summary, this position allows me to work with colleagues across a range of subject areas and job families, on issues that affect staff across FBMH.
Gloria Lopez-castejon
Areas: Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine
Email: Gloria.lopez-castejon@manchester.ac.uk
Gloria's profile
I am a Senior lecturer in Inflammation at the School of Biological Sciences. I joined the University in 2007 as a Postdoctoral research Associate, later established my lab with a Welcome Trust Sir Henry Dale fellowship and progressed to my current role in 2023.
I have extensive experience in research project supervision from UG to PGT level, including master and PhD students as well as Postdocs and I am currently a UG and PGR cohort advisor. I am very interested in improving research culture, something which I would bring to the committee. My experience as an international research and teaching academic (and non-native English speaker) will also enable me to advocate for this particular staff group at the committee.
John McLaughlin
Areas: Clinical Medicine
Email: john.mclaughlin@manchester.ac.uk
John's profile
I believe in strong governance that reflects and supports the aspirations and identity of our vibrant academic community.
A Manchester graduate (triple!), I served as Head of Division for six years from the 2016 merger. I gained a deep understanding of the day-to-day realities faced by staff, especially during difficult and challenging times.
I have led on clinical academic training and was until lately a member of the UKRI strategic advisory panel for bioscience research policy.
I am clinical lead for MBChB semester 4.
If elected, I will bring experience, perspective, and a collaborative approach- committed to promoting approaches that strengthen our mission, to upholding equity and inclusion, and to ensuring staff voices are heard.
Samina Naseeb
Areas: Evolution, Infection and Genomics
Email: samina.naseeb@manchester.ac.uk
Samina's profile
I am a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences and Academic Lead for Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) in School of Biological Sciences. Since starting as an international PhD student in 2008, I have held roles as Research Associate, Research Fellow, and now Lecturer at the University.
Navigating academia as an international student and staff brought various challenges which strengthened my commitment to promoting an inclusive and supportive environment for all the University. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and StellarHE Diverse Leaders Fellow, I am passionate about inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and career development.
I aim to contribute to the Faculty Committee in areas of student engagement, curriculum development, public engagement, and equity, diversity, and inclusion across teaching and research.
Christos Tapeinos
Areas: Pharmacy and Optometry
Email: christos.tapeinos@manchester.ac.uk
Christos' profile
What does it take to shape a truly international, inclusive, and future-ready Faculty?
I believe it starts with perspective, and mine is shaped by working in seven institutions across six countries, which has provided me with insight into diverse academic systems, research cultures, and teaching environments. As a Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences, I focus on developing smart nanomedicines for diseases such as brain and pancreatic cancers, and I collaborate across disciplines and institutions.
If elected, I will advocate for stronger support for international staff, inclusive structures that empower early-career researchers, and research practices that promote collaboration across disciplines and sectors. I aim to help build a Faculty that is globally connected, cohesive across its Divisions, and actively shaping future directions.
Elected members of professional services
David Knight
Areas: Technical Services, research data management
Email: david.knight@manchester.ac.uk
David's profile
I started my science career as a school leaver in the equivalent of an apprentice technician role, obtaining my degree and PhD part time whilst working in a UoM spinout company, Medeval Ltd. I have worked my way through the ranks and now run the Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility and provide leadership for Research Data Management. I am passionate about getting better representation and visibility for all levels of Technical Services from Technical Apprentices to Technical Experts.
Being part of the Faculty Committee is a great way to gain a greater understanding of the Faculty level decision making that impacts on all of us. Achieving change is difficult and understanding how the University works is critical. Being part of the Faculty Committee has allowed me to contribute to Faculty Leadership discussions on areas such as Technical Career Development, the Technical Review and implications of the Oracle upgrade.
If you care about your community and want to increase its visibility and representation then I strongly recommend you think about joining the Faculty Committee. It is a friendly and supportive environment and a great way to find your voice and develop the leadership aspect of your career.
Kelly Salimian
Areas: Teaching and Learning, cross School/Faculty working
Email: Kelly.salimian@manchester.ac.uk
Kelly's profile
As Teaching and Learning Manager my role is at the forefront of a number of areas that the Faculty Committee are involved in. I have oversight and awareness of teaching and learning requirements, implications as well as involvement in the development of our teaching portfolio for UG and PGT. This includes cross school and cross Faculty ways of working to ensure that PS, academic and student experience related matters are at the centre of any decisions that the school are involved in.
With over 20 years’ experience at the University, I have a breadth of knowledge on key matters within the school.
