Headshot of Sandeep.
Public sector leadership

Sandeep Sandhu

Member since 2024

Occupation: Head of Stakeholder Relationships at Innovate UK Business Connect

My main motivation is to help build a diverse network to address the global challenges we face today and to help bring about meaningful change.

Bio

Sandeep is a research and innovation expert. At Innovate UK Business Connect (IUK) Sandeep leads the development of strategic and durable relationships with a multitude of stakeholders. She has successfully built high level and impactful partnerships with governments, industry and academia in the U.K. and internationally. She previously directed and led the delivery of IUK’s international programmes, facilitating collaborations with key economies globally.

Previously, Sandeep worked as a Senior International Policy Manager at UK Research and Innovation, leading on international strategy, transnational partnerships, European policy and UKRI’s participation in the Global Research Council. Sandeep also worked at the Medical Research Council in several roles, managing the immunology portfolio, global health programmes (Newton Fund, Global Challenges Research Fund, GACD) and National Contact Point for Health on Horizon 2020.

Sandeep completed her PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Birmingham, developing a detection system in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.

Interests

  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Climate change
  • Cross-cultural and international education
  • Cross-sector skill sharing
  • International engagement
  • International research opportunities access
  • Research translation
  • Social change
  • Sustainability
  • Young women in STEM