In each monthly issue of the Catalyst, the “Who is your SRA Leadership?” column introduces you to the SRAI leadership, committee members and volunteers. This virtual platform serves as a good starting base to meeting the members of the SRAI community. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other and we at the Catalyst want to hear from you! Share your story! Contact us to be featured in a future column, or nominate a co-worker or colleague to share their story.
In this issue, we introduce you to three members of the International Section: Silke Blohm, Annedorte Vad and Philip du Plessis.
Silke Blohm, International Section President
What is your title and organization?
Director Research & Enterprise, SOAS University of London
How many years have you worked in Research Administration?
20 years, both in public and private sector.
When did you join SRAI?
2010.
Why SRAI?
The most international of the research management associations; the global network was crucial for my role in establishing the Office of Research Services at KAUST in Saudi Arabia.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean for you?
Being able to make a difference; working with international teams and learning from each other’s experience.
What is one thing people don't know about you?
Our dog Hamza who is a rescue dog from Saudi Arabia, a real desert dog, and has moved with us around the globe to Ethiopia and now the UK and has visited a lot of European countries, too.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Always half full – at least!
What is your life philosophy?
Look for solutions and focus on changing what you can change! Keep smiling and don’t give others the power to upset you.
Annedorte Vad, International Section Immediate Past President
What is your title and organization?
Head of CBS Research Support Office, Copenhagen Business School
How many years have you worked in Research Administration?
23 years.
When did you join SRAI?
2012.
Why SRAI?
The international focus and the diversity of members from all kind of research institutions.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean for you?
Building network, learning from peers, exchange of best practice, building leadership skills, making friends.
What is one thing people don't know about you?
I am a SCUBA divemaster and work in a youth club teaching teenagers to scuba dive.
What makes you smile?
Life, love, laughs, conversations, art, food, travel, family and friendships.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Always half full.
What is your life philosophy?
Always do your best, be kind and open to others.
And we present one of our great volunteers from the International Section:
Philip du Plessis
To read about Philip du Plessis, please see the Member Spotlight here.
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