Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy Election

“Being a member of the university’s Senate has been a privilege and an incredibly meaningful experience for me. It has given me the opportunity not only to contribute to important discussions but also to represent and amplify the views of colleagues and communities across the university. I have particularly valued being able to bring my experience of teaching and of EDI into these conversations helping to advocate for a socially just and inclusive university."

- Dr Ioanna Kapantai, Senior Lecturer Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Professor Barrie Cooper

I stand for election to Senate conscious of the huge responsibilities of the role.  We are blessed with extraordinary staff whose expertise and experiences should be central to the development of policy and strategy, and who live out the daily reality of the decisions Senate makes.  I know first-hand that there are gaps between what Senate sees and those lived realities of our staff and students. We can make better decisions, and I want to help bridge the gap to make that possible.

I believe that the breadth of my roles and experiences enables me to understand and represent effectively the interests of staff across the University.  I have been Director of PGT, Director of Digitally Enhanced Learning, Director of Education, Branch President for UCU, Academic Lead, and I teach on our Academic Professional programme for new academic staff, giving me a rounded view of the experiences of our diverse staff and insight into how the University works at various levels and across different Departments and Services.

I also have a keen eye for detail, scrutinising papers carefully, and never being afraid to ask difficult questions or challenge the narrative presented. These attributes are important on Senate, which determines policy and ultimately provides assurance to Council about our academic standards, processes and governance.

We face immense challenges – growing income streams while operating in a hostile funding environment; championing social justice and inclusion as global politics becomes more insular and polarised; ensuring our awards remain relevant and graduates are equipped technically and ethically for a world with ChatGPT – but these are also opportunities to decide what sort of institution, employer, regional partner and global leader we aspire to be. I will challenge and champion policy and decisions in a balanced way and hope to represent you effectively on Senate.

Dr Helena Fornwagner

Universities thrive when diverse voices help shape their future. As a mid-career researcher, mother, and international academic, I am standing for Senate and wish to contribute a perspective shaped by the realities many colleagues face today. 

Indeed, a successful academic career today requires balancing research, teaching, leadership, and other responsibilities in an environment where budgets are tight and external funding is increasingly competitive and uncertain. Having experienced these pressures myself, I am committed to advocating for fair and supportive career structures that enable colleagues to thrive at different stages of their professional development. 

I have supported the career progression of women and underrepresented groups through my involvement with the RES UK Women in Economics network and other national and international roles. As Co-Director of Ethics for the Business School, I help strengthen responsible research and ethical reflection. I am also a dedicated lecturer and Innoplay champion, supporting innovation in education as AI reshapes teaching and learning.

Colleagues know me as someone who speaks openly, raises important issues, and works constructively to find solutions. I believe Senate plays a vital role in shaping the academic direction of our university. If elected, I will bring a thoughtful, engaged and proactive voice to Senate, advocating for an inclusive academic environment and for policies that allow us all to flourish.

Dr Sarah Hodge

*Requires re-election to complete term of office as Senate Representative on Council*

I am an Associate Professor in the E&S job family, based in the Centre for Ecology & Conservation at the Penryn campus. I joined Senate in 2023 and have greatly valued the opportunity to represent our academic community and help shape decisions relating to University strategy. During my time on Senate, I have drawn on my experience in education leadership and delivery (e.g. Director of Education, 2017–2022) and departmental management (e.g. current Deputy Head of Department) to actively contribute to discussions that have a real impact on our academic community. Senate has also provided me with opportunities to become involved in the wider governance of the University. This includes acting as Senate representative on the University Education Board (2024–26), where I co-chair a task and finish group reviewing University-wide external examining processes. I am also the Senate representative on the University Council, where I represent the academic community at the highest level of University governance.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on Senate and, if elected again, I will build on my experiences over the past three years to champion the importance of supporting our academics in achieving our goal of maintaining research excellence while delivering world-class education. I am also keen to represent staff and students in decisions relating to inclusivity and widening participation, as well as promoting the opportunities and needs of the Penryn campus. A second Senate term would also allow me to complete my three-year tenure on Council, providing valuable continuity. I believe that my track record, broad experience, and diverse connections across job families and campuses leave me ideally placed to continue effecting positive change in this important forum, to the benefit of our wider community.

Professor Ana Neves

Higher education in the UK is under significant pressure, and Exeter is not immune. After years of going above and beyond, through a pandemic, through restructuring, through the steady erosion of support structures, many staff are running on empty. They are worried, under pressure, and increasingly disengaged. That is not sustainable, and it matters, because motivated staff are essential to delivering the high-quality teaching and research this university should be known for.

I have been part of departmental leadership, dealing with difficult situations involving both staff and students. I understand the gap between institutional ambition and day to day reality, and I have seen enough to know what questions need asking. I know how to ask them in a way that moves things forward rather than just creating noise.

This faculty is genuinely diverse in background, experience, career stage, and perspective. That is a real strength, and it should be reflected in how we are represented at the highest levels of governance. I want to make sure that the people most affected by decisions, and least likely to be in the room where they are made, have a clearer voice.

I will not always agree with every decision or direction. But I will always be honest, transparent, and constructive about why.