Alexandra Williams

As WISERD Research Programme Manager I’m responsible for providing strategic oversight, coordination and delivery of WISERD research programmes, I head up the WISERD Hub Professional Services team, based at Cardiff University, and am a member of the WISERD Executive Group.

I have worked at Cardiff University for nearly 14 years in various research support and project management roles. My experience includes project management of the Masters in Educational Practice (MEP) funded by Welsh Government; administrative coordination of the Network of Experts on Social Aspects of Education and Training (NESET) funded by the European Commission; and roles supporting research and capacity building activities at WISERD funded by the ESRC and HEFCW. However, my very first role at Cardiff University involved supporting Opera Singers on a post graduate course at the Cardiff International Academy of Voice.

Previously I worked at the Financial Services Authority (FSA – now the FCA) where I was involved in sector research, the development of FSA’s regulatory policy and advised regulated financial firms on Training and Competence rules and examinations. I also worked in graduate development and professional development roles at The Investment Management Regulatory Organisation (IMRO) and at Ernst and Young.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Geography from Exeter University, an NVQ in Business Administration and am member of the Association of University Administrators (AUA) and of the Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA).I was an elected member of the Cardiff University Senate between 2018 and 2021 and I am a member of the School of Social Sciences People and Environment Committee.