Professor Sarah Hainsworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Responsibilities

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) is responsible for the delivery of the University's Research and Engagement Strategy and for supporting our academic and research staff and students to deliver internationally leading research and impact.

Professional background and expertise

Sarah was appointed to the role at Durham in February 2026, having previously worked as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at the University of Bath. Sarah started her career at the University of Leicester, where she worked for 19 years, progressing from a Lectureship to Graduate Dean and then Head of the Department of Engineering, before taking on a senior role at Aston University where she was Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. 

Sarah's research expertise in Forensic Engineering is in the areas of knife crime and tool mark characterisation. She also has research interests in surface engineering, micro-structural evolution in power plant materials and the measurement of residual stress in engineering components. She is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and was awarded an OBE in 2019 for her outstanding services to Engineering and Forensic Science. 

Education and qualifications

Sarah has a Bachelor degree in Science of Engineering Materials and a PhD from Newcastle University.