King's College London

The award, from the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS), was presented at the ARMS Conference in Perth, Australia, on 10 September 2026. 

Named in honour of ARMS Founding President Janet Dibb-Leigh, the award is the Society's highest recognition of leadership and service to the research management profession.  

The recognition reflects more than two decades of contribution by Dr Wakefield to advancing research management internationally through mentoring, professional development, governance, training and community building. Dr Wakefield’s work has helped foster international networks that promote collaboration and the exchange of expertise across institutions and countries.  
 
The award also highlights the vital contribution of research professional staff in creating the conditions for excellent research and innovation to thrive. At King's, they are an integral part of the research and innovation community, helping to advance discovery, innovation and societal impact in support of the university's vision to make the world a better place. 

Dr Wakefield’s career has included senior leadership roles at King's, the University of Glasgow, the University of Melbourne and The Australian National University. Internationally, she is recognised for her board roles including with ARMS, the U.S based National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA) and the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS). Alongside this, Dr Wakefield has developed and helped deliver courses into the Masters in Research Administration at Johns Hopkins University.  

Dr Bryony Wakefield said: “I am honoured to receive this award from ARMS. I have been fortunate to work alongside talented researchers, colleagues and partners throughout my career, and this recognition reflects the communities and collaborations we have built together over many years. I am particularly grateful to ARMS, which has played such an important role in my professional journey, and to colleagues at King's and around the world who continue to champion the value and impact of research and the people who enable it." 

Jeremy Cook OBE, Senior Vice-President (Operations), said: "Bryony's receipt of the Janet Dibb-Leigh Award is a richly deserved recognition of her outstanding contribution to the research management profession over the past two decades. Throughout her career she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and championed the important role that research professionals play in enabling world-class research. We are delighted to see her recognised by her peers with one of the profession's highest honours." 

Professor Sir Bashir M. Al-Hashimi CBE FREng FRS, Senior Vice-President (Research & Special Initiatives), said: “Excellent research depends on outstanding leadership and professional expertise. Bryony has been a tireless advocate for the strategic contribution of research professionals, helping to elevate the profile and impact of the profession both nationally and internationally. This prestigious award recognises the impact of her career and longstanding commitment to enabling research excellence, fostering collaboration, and supporting innovation across institutions and borders. 

Dr Wakefield’s dedication to research management aligns with King’s wider commitments as outlined in Strategy 2030, which include to invest in research excellence, strengthened by the excellence and connectivity of King’s academic community.