Lorna graduated with her first degree, a BA(Hons) in Sociology, from Strathclyde University. Following 2 years working in the third sector for a major children’s charity, she went on to complete her MA(Res) in Sociology and Social Science at Newcastle University. Her research looked at community music projects and social inclusion within Newcastle, working in collaboration with the Sage, Gateshead. Since graduating from her post-graduate qualification, she has held several roles within Higher Education including in areas such as research development, PGR support, business development, research group and conference management, as well as work on the REF2014.

Lorna is Head of Research Development at Durham University, where she leads a team of Research Development Managers and Officers with regards to supporting academic colleagues with their external funding applications. She has extensive experience of supporting successful external funding applications, including for large scale interdisciplinary proposals such as Creative Fuse North East and the Urban Living Partnership. She has successfully supported colleagues with applications to a diverse portfolio of funders including ESRC, AHRC, NERC, EPSRC, the Wellcome Trust and the Newton Fund (for example).

Lorna has been on the ARMA Board of Directors since 2019 and undertook a year as Chair Elect before becoming the Chair of the Association on the 1st August 2023.