The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) have announced the appointment of Professor Wendy Baird as the next Dean of the NIHR Academy. She will also take on the role of NIHR Scientific Director for Research Capacity and Capabilities.
She will begin her tenure in September, following the end of Professor Waljit Dhillo's term in August 2026.
Wendy is a Professor of Health Services Research at the University of Sheffield and is currently on a 21-month secondment as Managing Director for Research and Innovation at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She is due to return to the University of Sheffield on 1 April 2026.
She currently serves as the NIHR Academy's Associate Dean for Infrastructure and Capacity Building, a role she has held since October 2024.
As Dean, Wendy will lead the strategic development of the NIHR Academy and oversee NIHR's research training and career development programmes. The NIHR Academy plays a central role in supporting researchers from predoctoral stages through to senior leadership. This helps to ensure a strong and sustainable UK health and care research workforce.
Her priorities will include:
- strengthening inclusive research career pathways
- expanding access to NIHR training and development opportunities
- ensuring programmes continue to support researchers working across the NHS, public health and social care
Developing a skilled research workforce
She will develop a future-ready research workforce to deliver against NIHR's remit. This supports the government's ambitions set out in the 10 Year Health Plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan. This will also contribute to the government's health and growth missions through high-quality research and innovation.
In her role as Scientific Director, she will drive the strategy for the NIHR research capability and capacity offer. This will ensure an inclusive approach that supports government priorities. The Dean also provides advice on the direction for policy and programmes supporting research training of prospective clinical and non-clinical academics, as well as those likely to pursue a mainly clinical or practice-based career.
Dr Nick Lyons, Chief Medical Officer (Development), Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Wendy on this significant appointment and to thank her for the deep knowledge, values and extensive experience she has brought to the Clinical Research and Innovation Office during her tenure as Managing Director. Her leadership and contributions whilst in this role have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing to work with her as she takes on this new strategic role."
Professor Wendy Baird said: "I am delighted to take on the role of NIHR Academy Dean and Scientific Director for Research Capacity and Capability. In my current role I have seen the importance of strong infrastructure, accessible support and clear career pathways in enabling people to build successful research careers. I look forward to working with colleagues across NIHR, DHSC and the wider research community to expand opportunities, strengthen inclusivity, and ensure that we continue to develop the skilled research workforce needed to address the health and care challenges and deliver against national priorities."
The full NIHR announcement can be read here:
Professor Wendy Baird appointed as next NIHR Academy Dean | NIHR
