Ruth Weir is Head of Entrepreneurship at UCL, where her work focuses on equipping students with the skills and experiences they need for life after university, whether that is building a startup or applying entrepreneurial thinking within a job or organisation. She leads end‑to‑end entrepreneurship support at UCL, from developing core skills such as problem‑solving and solution‑building, through to hands‑on startup support via the Hatchery Incubator, helping students turn ideas into viable ventures and real‑world impact.
Ruth’s early career was in academic research. She holds a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Bath and completed a PhD in Neuroscience at UCL. She later undertook a postdoctoral research position at the MIND Institute at the University of California, Davis, specialising in the neuropathology of autism. This research background shapes her pragmatic, evidence‑led approach to entrepreneurship education and innovation.
Alongside her professional role, Ruth is passionate about supporting people with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. She volunteers with FunFriends, a social youth group for 7–25‑year‑olds in South East London, supporting young people to build communication skills, confidence, and positive life experiences.