Personal statement

Sarah Buchanan is a Programme Manager in the Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management (DMEM) at the University of Strathclyde. Her career spans more than 20 years across academia, industry, and the public sector, with expertise in knowledge exchange, programme management, and commercial funding. Her work is multidisciplinary, bridging retrofit, housing, construction, engineering, management, finance, robotics, digital transformation, and systems engineering.

In her current role, she leads the development and delivery of the Systems Engineering Management industry-facing programme, overseeing teaching delivery, finance, accreditation, and stakeholder engagement. She also supports knowledge exchange activity across the University, advising on bids, pricing, and industry partnerships, and coaching colleagues in business development and engagement practices.

Previously, Sarah was Commercial Funding Manager (mat cover) at the University of Strathclyde, where she led a team driving commercial research and knowledge exchange activity, securing major bids, and strengthening links with industry and innovation centres. Earlier in her career, she was Impact Manager at Built Environment Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), where she delivered large-scale research and innovation programmes focused on housing retrofit and Scotland’s transition to a net zero economy.

Before moving into higher education, Sarah held senior leadership roles in the private sector as an Associate Director in construction recruitment, winning multiple national awards. She is recognised for her ability to operate with diplomacy in highly political environments, bringing together diverse partners to deliver projects with lasting academic, industrial, and societal impact.