Stella Mguli appointed as new co-chair of Awards Working Group

We are pleased to announce that Stella Mguli has been selected as the new co-chair of the Awards Working Group. Stella is a research coordinator at the University of Bath. She previously worked at the University of Wolverhampton and Birmingham City University, where she contributed to research operations across the humanities and social sciences.

With a background in law and initial training to become a solicitor, Stella planned to spend only 12 months in research support. Nearly five years later, she has built a committed career in research management, holding roles in both academic and professional services across universities in the West Midlands and South West. Her experience includes supporting institutional work on REF, KEF, and external funding development. At Bath, Stella helps implement research strategy, enhance impact and promote an inclusive research culture.

As an early-career research professional, Stella is passionate about representing and supporting the next generation of research managers. She hopes to use her role within ARMA to support nurturing diverse emerging talent across the sector.

Outside of her professional life, Stella serves as a governor at an inner-city secondary school in Birmingham, part of a high-performing multi-academy trust, and is the Lead Governor for Staff Welfare.

Stella joins fellow co-chair, Kirsty Allen, in leading the working group in its objective to oversee and deliver the annual ARMA Awards, ensuring the awards are designed to appeal to all in the research management community and cover areas relevant to the profession.

The ARMA Awards aim to showcase excellence and innovation within the research management profession undertaken by individuals and teams. The 2026 awards are currently open for nominations until Friday 16 January 2026. Consider nominating yourself and colleagues for the awards.