James Foden is an engineer by profession with a first degree in Mechanical Engineering, an M.Phil. in Materials and Metallurgy, and an EngD on technology management for aerospace applications.
James supported Rolls-Royce plc in Derby UK, on the development of various business processes for technology strategy development, prioritisation of research investment and technology readiness. He went on to work for Rolls-Royce plc in Hucknall UK, where he led a number of manufacturing capability, inspection and metrology research projects across civil and military applications, as well as research roadmapping for Combustion and Casings. His experience also extends across academia and the public sector in Malta. Over a period of eight years within a public funding body, he developed a high performing team that delivered national research policies and strategies through local and EU negotiations, implemented national research funding programmes, and led substantial internationalisation collaborations and bilateral programmes for research.
James also specialises in research concept development and expert evaluation of research proposals. He now leads the Technology Innovation Management (TIM) team, as Section Manager, overseeing a large pipeline of collaborative research proposals for TWI and the TWI Innovation Network (TWIIN).