Jo-Ann Baker

Biography

Jo-Ann is an experienced leader in operational management, specialising in complex research programmes at the intersection of academia and healthcare.

Current Role:

Centre Manager, Advanced Neurotherapies Centre
Cardiff University | Aug 2020 – Present
Jo-Ann drives strategic operational planning and oversees multidisciplinary teams to deliver pioneering projects that advance neurotherapeutic research. Her role spans project governance, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while fostering innovation. She brings expertise in project management for international collaborations, clinical trial coordination, and securing funding for cutting-edge initiatives, supported by her AgilePM Practitioner qualification, to maintain adaptability in a rapidly evolving research environment.

Previous Roles at Cardiff University

·       Executive Officer, Cardiff Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC)
Apr 2017 – Aug 2020
Supported senior leadership in operational strategy and governance for the ECMC, a key centre delivering early-phase cancer research trials. In this role, she also supported the set up and implementation of the Wales Cancer Research Centre.

·       Cancer Research UK Cardiff Centre Manager
Jan 2015 – Mar 2017
Managed Cardiff Cancer Research UK Centre, coordinated funding streams, and built strong partnerships between academics, clinicians, and external stakeholders.

·       Senior Project Administrator
Oct 2012 – Dec 2014
Provided high-level administrative support for major research projects, focusing on compliance, reporting, and resource management.