CVR Profiles: Parini Mankad

Author: Lois Mason & Parini Mankad (07/12/2022)

The CVR are excited to welcome Dr Parini Mankad as the new Research Manager. Parini was previously worked as the Inflammation and Advanced Cellular Therapy Programme Manager at the University of Birmingham. Read this blog to find out about Parini's past and future roles, how her career in science began and her love of hill walking and trampolining!

Please summarise your main focus in your current position.

Currently I manage a portfolio of infrastructure grants at the University of Birmingham focused on inflammation research as well as activity in the advanced cellular therapy space. I also look after a team of project managers that work on various projects in inflammation and ageing research. Recently I took on some extra leadership in the wider Research Delivery team, leading a team of 20 people who manage a wide range of programmes across the College of Medical and Dental Sciences.

When I join the CVR I will be part of the leadership team managing the development and delivery of the CVR research strategy, including supporting existing projects, horizon scanning for funding opportunities, training and development for ECRs and supporting the team with grant development, communications and engagement activities. I’m excited to be working with the fantastic staff and students in the CVR and contributing to the delivery of the Centre’s ambitions.

How did you career/journey into science begin? 

I did an undergraduate degree and PhD in life sciences and sort of fell into administration at the University of Birmingham after deciding not to go down the academic route. Over the last 10 years I worked my way up to managing large programmes in the College of Medical and Dental sciences and am now looking forward to taking up a new challenge with the CVR.

What's a fun fact about yourself? 

Despite me always being cold indoors, I love the outdoors, especially long distance and hill walking and being out with my dog. I’ve done a few 50-mile walking challenges and I’m looking forward to bagging a few more Munros with this move to Scotland. I was also a level 1 trampolining coach in the not too distant past!