As the pioneer of the impact agenda and mastermind of the Research Excellence Framework, Sweeney’s policies have influenced every academic in the country. An arch pragmatist, these policies are driven not only by his core beliefs in HE, but also an innate understanding about the ammunition needed during Spending Reviews. When serving up tough news to vice chancellors, he was described by one as “having black eyes like Thomas Cromwell”. He is the classic poacher turned gamekeeper, with a career history spanning researcher, statistician, IT Director, PVC and now senior civil servant. His CV also boasts a brief spell as tannoy announcer at Maidenhead FC.
This article is more than 9 years old
David Sweeney
As the pioneer of the impact agenda and mastermind of the Research Excellence Framework, Sweeney’s policies have influenced every academic in the country. An arch pragmatist, these policies are driven not only by his core beliefs in HE, but also an innate understanding about the ammunition needed during Spending Reviews. When serving up tough news … Continued
This article is more than 9 years old