Surrey Research Project Mangers Network
Surrey PRISM Network, bringing together administrators, project/programme managers, CDT managers and other professional services staff working to support active research projects.
What is a PRISM?
The term "PRISM" (Professional Research Investment and Strategy Manager) is used to encompass someone who is predominantly working to enable the delivery and growth of a large research project or projects. Roles are typically on fixed-term contracts (on a research grant or similar), and the term includes a diverse range of positions and responsibilities from administrators to grant managers and directors.
Who are we?
The Surrey Research Project Managers Network was created by a group of PRISM professionals at the University of Surrey to strengthen support for research management roles. We work across all faculties, collaborating with academic groups, research projects, and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs).
The Research and Project Management Network at Surrey exists to build a visible, inclusive, and sustainable community of practice for staff who enable research. Our mission is to strengthen research culture, enhance professional skills, and embed high-quality project management across the University. By fostering collaboration, providing targeted training, and sharing best practices, we aim to raise the visibility of RPMs, contribute to major funding opportunities, and shape sector-wide standards.
Can I join if I am not currently in a PRISM role?
Yes! We welcome everyone with an interest in PRISM-related activities and appreciate that job titles cover a wide variety of responsibilities. Our training opportunities will be aimed at those in typical PRISM roles but open to all staff at the University (regardless of network membership). Current University staff members can view the PRISM SharePoint site.
How can I join the Network?
Please complete the brief questionnaire, after which you will be invited to a Teams site. Please note this is an internal link only open to University of Surrey staff.
Upcoming events and news
In 2026 we will host a launch event welcoming new network members and network supporters.
Core team
Network Lead
Lucy Elphick
Research Programme Manager
Biography
Lucy Elphick is a Research Programme Manager with extensive experience across academia, industry, and research support. She has worked as a postdoctoral researcher, an enzymologist in the pharmaceutical sector, and in roles supporting research careers and funding. Currently part of the Circular Economy Group, Lucy is passionate about advancing sustainable research and fostering collaborative networks, while supporting both project success and the professional development of researchers.
Julia Warsap
Project Manager
Biography
Julia Warsap is a Research Management professional with more than 25 years’ experience delivering projects and supporting operations across R&D, television news, and the not-for-profit sector, including 16 years in various roles at the University of Surrey. She currently helps deliver Surrey’s £1.25m ESRC Impact Acceleration Account and previous roles including Centre Manager of the £3m ESRC CECAN centre and Programme Manager for a £5m aerospace R&D collaboration with Airbus. Her cross-sector experience gives her a practical and creative approach to turning complex ideas into outcomes that make a real difference for stakeholders and society.
Lucy Bunnell
CDT Co-Manager
Biography
Lucy Bunnell is the Co-Manager of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT-Fort) where she supports advanced research and training initiatives. She has extensive experience in project and event management, having previously worked on major EU-funded projects such as WEAR Sustain and AP4L, focusing on technology, sustainability, cybersecurity, and privacy.
Alexandra Grama
Research Programme Manager
Biography
Alex has a creative background in fashion and film and has spent the last few years managing technical development projects. She also leads a non-profit project focused on helping early-career creatives in animation through non-formal education.
At CVSSP, she is a Research Programme Manager for the CoSTAR and AI4ME projects, bringing her mix of creativity and technical experience into the research space.
Elaina Maldonado
Project Manager
Biography
Elaina has more than a decade of research experience in molecular and computational biology working across academia, clinical research and industry-linked projects with University of Surrey, UCL GOS ICH and industry partners. She has recently transitioned into project management, now focusing on the support of the Accelerated Compute Infrastructure Training Hub based at CVSSP and PAI.
Helen Cooper
Research Facilities Manager
Biography
With a PhD in Machine Learning I transitioned to the RTP and professional services space in 2012, since when I've been managing the research labs and leading our compute strategy for the Centre for Vision Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) and now the People Centred AI institute (PAI), managing research projects and training networks and organising conferences. In 2025 I led a bid for a UKRI funded DRI training hub and am now the ACIT-Hub lead.
Kirstie Hatcher
Project Manager
Biography
Certified Digital Marketing Professional and PRINCE2 Qualified Practitioner. Working with Academics to manage and deliver research grants and initiatives has been a passion for over a decade. Helping exceptionally dedicated people use their expertise for the good of research and finding ways to translate that exceptional research to make sure it's a benefit to society.
Casey-Jane Rand
PA and Research Administrator
Biography
I am a PA and Research Administrator within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, supporting a wide range of research groups, leadership teams, and operational projects. I have extensive experience coordinating complex schedules, organising events, managing workflows across multiple teams, and ensuring administrative processes run smoothly. I’m keen to develop my project management skills further and build more formal training into my role to strengthen how I support complex activities across the faculty.