Rachel Bryson

Biography

I am currently Research Manager within Research Management and Administration (RMA), working as part of the Research Environment Team. Our focus is on cultivating a supportive research culture and environment at UAL, and contributing to the university’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) submission.

Since joining London College of Fashion in 2006 and later joining the centralised RMA team, I have played a pivotal role in major national research assessments including RAE 2008, REF 2014, REF 2021, and am currently contributing to REF 2029. I have nearly two decades of experience in research management, communications, and strategic support within the higher education sector with a special interest in practice research.

My work spans a broad range of responsibilities—from guiding practice researchers in articulating their work for REF submissions to leading university-wide coordination of REF processes. I also oversee areas such as research ethics and the broader research environment. For REF 2021, I supported the development of 200 practice-based portfolios (IPRs), ensured institutional compliance, managed data and analysis, and facilitated cross-college collaboration.

Between REF2021 and 2029, I was seconded to UAL’s Education team with Michelle Howe we pulled the TEF 2023 submission together and implemented the Accountability Framework for 28 courses needing improvements. My earlier roles were in the Research Communications team, where I managed the Research website, social media, and events; the Research Student team, driving engagement, impact, and research student recruitment.

I was able to undertake the MA Design Management at LCF while working full-time in 2009 and complete the Prince2 Practitioner, both of which have helped me to organise, plan, implement, and complete projects.

In 2011, I took a 6 month sabbatical to travel around Australia and New Zealand. Whilst living in Sydney during this time, I worked at National Art School Sydney, redesigning their website and supporting the Director.

Outside of work I enjoy lifedrawing, painting, sewing, pattern cutting, travelling and being a mum.