Spotlight on... Hélène Crutzen

What is your role and what does it involve? What impact do you hope to make?  

I’m the Institute Manager at the Queen Square Institute of Neurology (IoN). My role is to oversee the Institute’s business operations and support the Institute Director with developing and implementing the Institute’s strategy. The impact I hope to make is to continue to help build the structures, teams and ways of working that will allow our staff and students at IoN to thrive, and create a stronger sense of community.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I’ve been at UCL for 10 years. I did my PhD at UCL, then worked in the charitable sector at Wellcome and the British Heart Foundation, before moving into higher education, first at King’s College London and then into this role. During my time here, I’ve been closely involved in supporting the Institute through a period of significant growth and change.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list. 

A major priority alongside business as usual is the operational planning for the new Gray’s Inn Road building. I sit on both the Strategic Delivery Group and the Steering Committee, and I’m working alongside the dedicated programme team to help shape how the building will operate when it opens in 2027/28. We have moved from constructing the building to getting into the detail of space layout, furniture, lab operations and how we make the new model work across the Institute as a whole.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of? 

I’m proud of the way our professional services teams have supported the Institute as it has grown organically and exponentially over the past decade, across a complex estate. I’m especially proud of building a resilient team with real cohesion and a collaborative approach to work. We have already made significant strides in improving our operations, lab support and health and safety procedures, and helping to build more cohesive and consistent support across the Institute has been a real achievement. There will always be bumps and tweaks along the way, but if we can deliver something that genuinely supports researchers better, that will be something to be proud of.

What are you most excited about in 2026, UCL's bicentennial year?  

I’m excited that we will be celebrating the Institute’s 75th anniversary as part of UCL’s bicentennial year. It feels like a really meaningful moment to look back at everything the Institute has achieved, while also looking ahead to what we want to be for the next generation. For us, the move to Grays Inn Road in 2027/28 feels like part of that bigger story: a chance to do things differently, do them better, and hopefully pave the way for others across UCL to do the same.

What’s a small habit or ritual that helps you stay grounded at work?  

My morning ritual helps set me up for the day: coffee, feeding the dogs, then taking them out for a walk. I have two sausage dogs who are Instagram stars, so they keep me grounded in more ways than one. 

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

My dream dinner guests would be David Attenborough, Marina Hyde, Christiane Amanpour, Stephen Fry, Jo Brand and the FT columnist Mrs Moneypenny — along with old friends, of course. 

What is your favourite book, film, and music album? 

My favourite book is Le Lion by Joseph Kessel. When it comes to films, I like stories based on true events, especially ones with strong characters and a real sense of place. For music, I enjoy all sorts; it really depends on the day and the mood.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Don’t worry so much about having everything mapped out. You can build a career by being open to opportunities, working with good people and learning as you go. It is never too late to start again, take risks, try something new — and go on that trip.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about your life outside of work?  

I’ve had flying lessons, but I am only learning to drive now — better late than never!

Where do you go (physically or mentally) when you need to recharge? What's your favourite place? 

Exercise is one of the main ways I recharge, whether that is going for a run or doing weightlifting and strength training. I also love taking the dogs for a walk, sitting in nature in silence, catching up with friends, and being by the seaside — all of which help me reset.