Dr Jonathan Owens has always been a Salford ambassador through and through, having started as an undergraduate student, then joining his supervisor on a research project, and later becoming a permanent academic. His passion for Salford has led him on extraordinary journeys – from meeting royalty to redesigning two award-winning modules – and has enabled him to create opportunities for Salford students throughout his career.
Now a Senior Lecturer in Operations Management and Placement Lead at Salford Business School, he brings unique knowledge to his teaching that students value.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
This wasn’t an obvious career path for me. I’d always worked in industry and was a sponsored engineering student at Salford, so academia wasn’t exactly on my horizon then.
But then, picture this: I’m at my undergraduate graduation ceremony, with a full head of hair, cap slightly crooked, wondering if the photos will ever look normal, when my supervisor offers me this fantastic opportunity to join his team on an industry research project. Of course, I said yes and basically never left the world of academia.
One project turned into a career that’s taken me around the globe for teaching and research journeys. Honestly, I’ve never looked back, and it’s been a fantastic, if somewhat unexpected, ride.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
This is my second spell here – my first was last century, which makes it sound far more dramatic (and ancient!) than it probably should.
I rejoined Salford to work once again alongside my mentor, Martin Barber, who has since retired, and with a former postgraduate student who used to take some of my undergraduate tutorials. He’s now my Subject Group Head, Yiannis. Perhaps proof that time really does fly!
What’s lovely is that the University still feels the same in the ways that matter as it’s industry-focused, hands-on, and driven by knowledge exchange. Just as I remember from my earlier days, only now with better coffee (see later).
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
Salford is quite a unique place to be, for students and staff. Sure, we all grumble now and then about the trek from Maxwell to Chapman on a Salford rainy morning, but our Peel Park campus more than makes up for it. It sits right in the middle of a fabulous green, beautifully regenerated environment, and the new campus masterplan looks genuinely exciting. Plus, as I walk through campus, I love seeing the diversity and multicultural community that Salford attracts. It makes the campus feel lively, welcoming, and full of stories, it’s just the way a University should be and is such a joy.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
I’ve had so many unforgettable experiences as an academic and far too many to mention here. From teaching Defence Logistics to Commonwealth military personnel at the RAF College Cranwell and being lucky enough to meet the Queen during her visit, then off to China as a visiting professor was a memorable experience. I’m fortunate to have worked and visited every continent during my career.
However, at Salford, one of my proudest achievements has been redesigning a module that has now become multi-award-winning and after a few name changes, it finally found its rightful title, the Young Enterprise. This module has helped our students launch start-up businesses, work alongside inspiring business mentors, stretch their learning in new directions, develop employability skills, and grow into fantastic next-generation entrepreneurs.
Along the way, I’ve managed to cross paths with Ministers of State, Prime Ministers from around the world, Presidents, and even more members of the UK Royal Family, proof that you never quite know where this career will take you! This is exactly what Salford students excel at, when they’re given the chance to get involved, try new ways of learning, and truly engage, they seize the moment and shine. I’m genuinely proud of everything they’ve achieved and are still achieving.
What’s your current research focused on?
My research spans several areas, from my roots as a chartered engineer in operations and supply chain management to more recent work in enterprise and entrepreneurial learning. The latter has led to some fantastic collaborations with universities including the University of Herefordshire, University of Liverpool and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).
We’re currently working on a book, due for release in 2026, titled Cases on Experiential Learning in Higher Education for Economic Innovation and Growth, to which several of my Salford colleagues are contributing.
I also led a collaboration between MMU, Young Enterprise (UK), Nestlé, and business start-up Tiaki for the recent Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science 2025. I’m really excited to see another project emerging from Young Enterprise that is exploring potential collaboration with research funding.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
I was delighted to be invited as a keynote speaker at a regional event, the OLC Education Conference (OLCEC) 2025, presenting on “Entrepreneurial Mindsets: Leading Change Through Adversity.” I discussed Experiential Learning and Entrepreneurial Education: The Transformative Potential of the Young Enterprise Start-Up Programme.
The paper will be available soon.
And finally, the all important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
I consider myself lucky in this sense my “service with a smile”. My friend of over 30 years, Yiannis, often brings me a coffee to my desk, which I really appreciate. I don’t always get the chance to thank him properly, especially when I’m in a team meeting or with a student, so… thank you, Yiannis!