Amanda Bretman is Professor of behavioural ecology in the School of Biology, University of Leeds, having worked previously at the universities of Exeter and East Anglia. She combines her biological research and teaching with the role of Dean of Research Quality for the university. As Dean, she has a broad remit encompassing strategies and processes that support high quality research and impact. This includes aspects such as staff development at all career stages, reward and recognition for diverse research activities, and appropriate assessment of research, hence Amanda leads REF activity for the university.