Alex Herbert-Guest

Associate Director of Research, Research England

Alex is Associate Director of Research at Research England, working as part of a job share with Anna Lang.

An experienced policy professional, Alex spent several years in Whitehall before moving to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Alex has played a fundamental role in shaping HEFCE and Research England’s strategic direction in research funding since 2012.

Alex and Anna have shared oversight of research funding and related policy, including the £1.6 billion QR budget and the £900 million UK Research Partnership Investment Fund.

They are responsible for making the case for research funding at government spending reviews.

About Alex

Alex studied political science at Cardiff University, followed by a Masters at the Institute of Latin American Studies in London.

Alex’s early career was as a Latin American Risk Analyst before she was recruited to the Civil Service Fast Stream.

She spent several years in the treasury advising ministers and developing policy on a range of areas including:

  • the budget process
  • charity taxation
  • health spending
  • the potential impact of Scottish independence.

Alex joined HEFCE in 2012 as Senior Higher Education Policy Advisor in the Research Policy team.

Latter, Alex became Head of Research Funding in HEFCE with oversight for research funding, while also playing a significant role in transition activity during the formation of Research England.

Last updated: 31 March 2022

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