Directors

Our team is comprised of multiple functions – all critical to delivering our programmes and increasing the chance of ARIA's success.

Cat Townley

Director of People Operations

Cat joined ARIA from the Freedom Fund - a catalyst in the global effort to end modern slavery. Here, she built their HR function, spanning 11 countries. Previously, Cat led the HR team in a tech startup, and has also worked with trafficking survivors in a residential programme.

Our Programme Directors are supported by a Programme Specialist (P-Spec) and a Science + Technology Lead; this is the nucleus of each programme team. P-Specs co-ordinate and oversee the project management of their respective programmes, whilst Science + Technology Leads provide highly specialised and targeted technical expertise to support programmatic rigour. P-Specs support ARIA as Operating Partners from Pace, a change and transformation business consultancy specialising in process and system design.
Our Product team builds the initiatives that ARIA uses to drive impact from breakthrough R&D. From the design of our programmes and opportunity seed funding mechanism to Activation Partnerships, the Product team works across the organisation and with the wider R&D ecosystem to drive impact.
Our Procurement and Contracts team is the driving force behind setting ARIA programmes in motion. They use innovative contracting and grant mechanisms to channel funding effectively while ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds.
Our Communications and Engagement team helps to build bridges between ARIA and the outside world. They work to spread the word about ARIA's research and funding opportunities, elevate ARIA's presence in the R&D ecosystem, and build our identity as an organisation.
The Finance team manages the full spectrum of the ARIA’s financial activities. The team manages all core day-to-day financial operations - including policies, internal controls, accounts payable, payroll, tax, audit and counter-fraud measures. The Finance team also drives strategic financial planning, reporting and modelling, including programme development and post-award management of R&D expenditure.
The Data and Tech team provides the core systems, infrastructure, and data capabilities that enable ARIA to operate securely, effectively and at pace. It supports ARIA’s operational teams and programmes through reliable IT services, cybersecurity, data governance, system design, automation and the responsible use of data and AI.
Our People Operations team is responsible for hiring world-class talent that helps continue to drive ARIA’s mission forward. They also work to deliver a high standard of people service to the ARIA team; creating a supportive and engaging culture, leading on ED&I initiatives, and consistently looking for ways to empower each individual.
The Executive Office is the team dedicated to supporting ARIA's leadership team. This includes managing ARIA's governance, organisational coordination, strategic planning, and internal communications. They work on and across the organisation to drive improvements in how we work. The Executive Office also leads ARIA's ethics and social responsibility efforts.
The Delivery Office provides the frameworks, tools, and support needed to coordinate and oversee ARIA’s R&D portfolio delivery. This includes establishing project and programme management frameworks, ensuring clear governance, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration. They play a key role in keeping programmes on track and aligned with ARIA’s goals.
The Legal team provides strategic and operational legal advice to ARIA's leadership, functional teams, and programmes. It helps ARIA to manage legal risk, navigate practical challenges and maximise opportunities.

How we work

We seek out exceptional scientists and engineers and empower them to turn their ideas into reality.

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Funding opportunities

Learn about how we fund and explore our current and past funding opportunities.

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