Experienced Academic and Innovation Leader Committed to supporting Health and Education Development.
Prof Thomas is a distinguished innovator and academic with over 35 years of experience in higher education, research, and health innovation. Renowned for pioneering blended postgraduate programmes and leading impactful innovation portfolios across higher education and the NHS, he has a proven record in management, grant success, and the development of internationally recognised research and teaching initiatives and founded with Dr Dan Rees, The Innovation Academy: Research Series – Innovation Management in Health and Social Care published by Swansea University. Prof Thomas is dedicated to fostering strategic collaborations, amplifying institutional impact, and mentoring emerging leaders in academia and industry.
Currently, Prof Thomas serves as Director of Innovation Portfolio at the Innovation Network South West in Exeter, funded by the NHS and Office for Life Sciences. In this senior leadership role, he oversees health innovation projects that maximise public and patient impact, address workforce needs, and drive economic growth across South West England. He also manages strategy, risk, business planning, and stakeholder engagement at the national level.
Previously, Prof Thomas led the All-Wales Intensive Learning Academy for Innovation in Health and Social Care at Swansea University. He has supervised more than 20 PhD students and has over 50 publications, including editorships, book chapters, and major journal articles. With grant-funded projects totalling over £1.9 million and has two Honorary Professorships from Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity St David. Prof Thomas has played a pivotal role in advancing innovation within the NHS and academic sectors
