University News Last updated 02 April
Anita Bhalla OBE, Chair of the Board of Governors for Birmingham City University, has been appointed as a council member for UK Research and Innovation.
The former BBC executive, who spent more than 25 years working for the public broadcaster, takes up a position with the influential Arts and Humanities Research Council (ARHC).
“I am delighted to be joining the AHRC as we strive to push the boundaries of the interface between arts and humanities, and broader science research work,” said Anita (pictured), who is also Chair of B:Music, the charity that runs Birmingham Symphony Hall.
“The work that the AHRC funds has the potential to deliver real-life solutions to worldwide challenges through partnerships and collaborations.
“Having seen Birmingham's cultural sector grapple with challenges brought on by funding cuts, I hope my role with the AHRC will help strengthen a sector that plays a vital role in the social and economic prosperity of our towns and cities.”
A proud Brummie, Anita set up the BBC Asian Network, is a Governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and is Chair of Iniva, a visual arts organisation dedicated to nurturing and disseminating emergent contemporary artistic practice centring around Global Majorities.
She was awarded an OBE for services to Broadcasting and Communities in 2009.