Rate My Professor Wendy McLoone

Dr Wendy McLoone is the Director of Research and Enterprise at The Queen's University Belfast, a pivotal leadership role within the university's professional support directorates. In this position, she drives the strategic direction and leadership of research and enterprise activities, ensuring the long-term quality and enhancement of the university's research environment. Previously serving as Interim Director of Research, Deputy Director of Research Services, and Head of Research Development, Dr McLoone has provided cross-university support for the development and expansion of the research portfolio. Her efforts have been central to initiatives such as the Research Culture Action Plan launched in January 2021, following extensive engagement and consultation starting in early 2020. This plan commits the institution to improving the environment for research and innovation, with key achievements in its first year including the establishment of an institutional Postdoctoral Development Centre, a campaign recognizing the vital role of non-academic staff in enabling research, and the introduction of a Research Culture Seed Fund. As the plan progresses into subsequent years, further projects aim to advance research culture at Queen's.

Dr McLoone's distinguished career spans academia, industry, and research funding. She lectured in Chemical Engineering at Queen's University Belfast for eight years, contributing directly to the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering's teaching and research activities. Prior to her academic role, she worked as a process engineer at Eli Lilly S.A., gaining practical expertise in industrial processes. Before rejoining Queen's in 2008 within the Research and Enterprise Directorate, she held positions at Science Foundation Ireland, where she developed and led innovative strategies for funding discovery and translational research. Dr McLoone has represented Queen's in significant engagements, including hosting the Taoiseach Micheál Martin in 2021 to discuss all-island research collaboration at the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, welcoming UKRI teams to the School of Biological Sciences, and delivering opening remarks at the Open & Responsible Research Symposium in 2023, affirming the university's commitment to transparency and responsibility. Her leadership extends to governance, such as contributing to REF 2021 processes and external peer reviews for other institutions. Additionally, she has participated in international statements like the Botswana Statement on Global Challenges and Research in 2024.