Elisia Irving

Strategic Projects Manager

Elisia oversees the planning and organisation of strategic, externally funded project applications and initiatives related to the university’s Research and Innovation function. Her responsibilities include coordinating and managing projects, drafting funding applications, ensuring they deliver institutional aims and objectives.

Elisia has successfully led numerous large-scale bids to various funding bodies, including UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Research England, European Structural & Investment Funds and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. She also plays a crucial role in ensuring that Falmouth University’s strategic goals and interests are represented in key strategies such as the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Growth Plan and Creative Manifesto. Additionally, Elisia actively engages in local and national forums to advocate for research at small and specialist institutions and for Cornwall’s creative and cultural sectors.

Before joining Falmouth University, Elisia served as the European Policy Adviser for Cornwall Council. In this role, she was responsible for ensuring that locally elected representatives were kept up to date on emerging European policies and initiatives, preparing lobbying documents and supporting politicians to raise Cornwall’s profile and securing its interests in future policy development. Elisia also led the Research & Innovation strands of the local economic strategy during her tenure with Cornwall Council. Her extensive experience in local economic regeneration continues to drive forward key projects that align with regional and institutional priorities, ensuring opportunities for growth and innovation are maximised at Falmouth University.

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