Spotlight on Ed Harris

What does your role involve?
I currently manage the Knowledge Exchange team, which distributes and manages grants to academics to support Innovation and Knowledge Exchange projects. It's fascinating to be involved in turning research into real world results that change the world.We are running a funding call at the moment: closing date for applications is 21 November! I also manage the Innovation & Enterprise group's finances.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?
I've been at UCL for a year now. Before that I spent 12 years with two of the Big 4 accountancy firms as a Higher Education specialist.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
Using forensic accountancy techniques to identify drug-abusing doctors in the NHS.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?
I'm helping to develop a costing and pricing policy, and systems to support it, so that all Innovation projects across UCL are financially sustainable and easier for academics to develop and manage.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Aphrodite by Kylie Minogue, Monsters Inc. and Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?
"Years ago I used to supply Filofaxes for the mafia. I was involved in very organised crime".

Who would be your dream dinner guests?
A couple of my best friends.

What advice would you give your younger self?
People care far less than you think.

What would it surprise people to know about you?
That's a surprising secret. It would lose the fun of the surprise to tell.

What is your favourite place?
Cuba.