Research leader named new head of GW4 Alliance linking four major universitiesA leading UK research strategist has been appointed director of the GW4 Alliance — linking the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter — as higher education faces major changeView Image UKRI veteran Melanie Knetsch takes the reins of the GW4 Alliance this November, as the group looks to strengthen partnerships amid a rapidly evolving academic landscape. She brings with her decades of experience from within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), where she most recently served as Deputy Director of Impact and R&I Sustainability. ‌The GW4 Alliance has said Ms Knetsch will lead the consortium as it aims to deepen existing partnerships and create new opportunities across regional and national research landscapes. ‌Ms Knetsch said: “GW4 has a fantastic reputation for driving world-class, interdisciplinary research and innovation, developing the next generation of research leaders and enhancing research culture. “Together, we’ve delivered world-leading research, nurtured future research leaders, and built impactful partnerships across sectors and regions.