Mahesh Nirmalan appointed AVP for Responsible Research Practice
15 Sep 2025
Professor Mahesh Nirmalan has taken up the role of Associate Vice-President (AVP) for Responsible Research Practice – one of four essential themes of our University’s research culture and environment.
Professor Mahesh Nirmalan has taken up the role of Associate Vice-President (AVP) for Responsible Research Practice, one of four essential themes of our University’s research culture and environment.
This is a new role to promote the highest standards of research integrity, encouraging responsible, compliant and ethical research here at Manchester.
Professor Nirmalan will work with Head of Research Governance, Ethics and Integrity, April Lockyer, to develop policies and processes that identify and mitigate risks to assure compliance with the regulations and legislation that govern research.
A Professor in Medical Education and Training, Mahesh served as FBMH Vice Dean for Social Responsibility and Public Engagement from 2016 – 2024 and was the interim Deputy Dean of the Faculty from September 2022 – August 2023.
He was the Manchester Medical School Director of Clinical Placements and Academic Lead for Years 3, 4 and 5 until August 2016, and led the team responsible for overhauling the entire clinical curriculum and for introducing Mandatory Minimum Standards for all UG Clinical Placements in Manchester and Lancashire.
He has also served as a member of the International Strategy Advisory Group of the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), UKRI, the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and is a member of the International Scientific Advisory Board, UKRI.
He is a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Manchester Royal Infirmary, one of the larger Units in the UK, and Visiting Professor in Post-Conflict studies, University of Gulu, Uganda
His key research themes are Global Health and Post conflict disability, and he has a keen interest in the use of creative arts in communicating complex health messages in deprived communities.
Mahesh commented "I am delighted to take this role on as I do believe that Responsible Research forms the very DNA of our institution. It is implemented through our core Commitment to Social Responsibility and ably supported by a robust and committed governance structure. The University is here to support colleagues to work responsibly and to help them mitigate any risks they may face as they continue their remarkable work to address global challenges.”
Vice-President for Social Responsibility and Chair of Research Compliance Committee and Research Relationships Oversight Group, Professor Nalin Thakkar added: “We know we have chosen the best possible candidate for this important role. Mahesh not only has a clear vision for the conduct and governance of research and research compliance management, he also has a record of successful leadership and management.”
Vice-President for Research, Professor Colette Fagan agreed: “I am delighted that Mahesh has been appointed to this new role at such an important time for our sector. Responsible Research Practice is essential so that we here at Manchester, as across the sector, maintain public trust in our research. This is ever more important as we address misinformation and mistrust about science, the role of universities and academic freedom in the UK and beyond.”
Further information
For more information on ethical research, visit: