Professor David Payne
Partner at Research Engine, bringing close to thirty years of senior leadership experience across research, higher education, government, and industry, with deep expertise in translating strategic ambition into robust operating models, sustainable financial frameworks, and high-performing institutions.
Biography
David is an internationally recognised expert in research infrastructure strategy, governance, and delivery. He has held senior leadership positions across major research institutions, including NEOM in Saudi Arabia as well as Research Complex at Harwell and Imperial College London in the UK. His career spans the design and implementation of large-scale scientific facilities, the development of multidisciplinary research ecosystems, and the strategic oversight of high-impact national and international research programmes.
At Imperial College London, David is Professor of Materials Chemistry in the Department of Materials, and has served in multiple senior academic and operational leadership roles, contributing to departmental strategy, facilities management, talent development, and financial oversight. His experience is complemented by influential advisory positions with UKRI and contributions to the UK Government national research policy and capital infrastructure strategy. David has also co-founded a spin-out company, and understands the infrastructure requirements of research intensive start ups.
In Saudi Arabia, David led the development of advanced research ecosystem infrastructure, including the planning of multiple state-
of-the-art shared facilities in a large, multidsciplinary research and innovation campus. His portfolio also includes governance of Ap-
plied Research Institutes and the creation of operational and technical teams to support a growing research economy. During his tenure as Director of the Research Complex at Harwell, David oversaw a national facility hosting hundred of researchers and led a successful strategic review. He strengthened operational effectiveness, expanded industry engagement, and enhanced the facility’s contribution to national scientific capability and innovation.
He holds a PhD in inorganic chemistry from the University of Oxford, where he also held a Junior Research Fellowship before being awarded a highly prestigious University Research Fellowship from the Royal Society. He is also a Foundation Governor of Harrow School and Trustee of the John Lyons Charity.
Through Research Engine, David provides strategic advisory services to governments, universities, and industry partners seeking to develop or transform their research infrastructure. His expertise spans infrastructure master-planning, organisational structure and operations, governance frameworks, and research-driven innovation strategy.