About Connect51
Meaningful connection is the foundation of progress in global higher education.
We help institutions uncover and build research partnerships powered by insight, guided by purpose. Connect51 brings clarity to complex data, we enable institutions to connect more deeply, collaborate more effectively, and create impact that endures. Insight that connects. Partnerships that last. Impact that matters.
Our story
One recurring question sparked it all: “Can you help us connect with…?”
And now, that’s our mission.
Research collaboration is often driven by existing networks, relationships, introductions, informal conversations, and chance connections. For many institutions, the challenge is not the quality of their research, but ensuring it is seen, recognised, and connected to the right opportunities. That’s where we aim to help, through meaningful connection.
Connect51's Analytics platform provides transparent, self-service intelligence to support institutions and governments understand their research landscape, benchmark their strengths, choose partners on evidence, and grow the collaborations that lift research impact.
Our consultancy services allow for unique and bespoke analysis to support institutional research strategy development.
The Team - Connect51
Simone Dilena
Co-founder & Principal
Simone brings extensive international leadership experience across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, with a career spanning higher education, professional services, events, and the not-for-profit sector. As President (APAC) at Times Higher Education, she led high-performing teams across Melbourne, Singapore, and Manila, driving growth, innovation, and impactful outcomes for universities, governments, and sector organisations. A respected speaker and moderator, Simone has deep connections across the higher education sector and a strong track record of building strategic partnerships and delivering meaningful results.
simone@connect51.com
Todd Hornal
Co-founder & Principal
Todd brings extensive experience in international higher education engagement, specialising in market development, strategic partnerships, and institutional growth across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia-Pacific. As APAC Regional Director at Times Higher Education, he led sustained growth across key markets including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Cambodia, building strong partnerships with universities and government stakeholders. He is an experienced presenter and moderator, with a proven track record of working with senior leaders and leading cross-functional teams to deliver strategic, data-driven solutions.
todd@connect51.com
Andrew Thomas
Co-founder & CTO
Andrew is an experienced technology leader and entrepreneur with a proven track record of building and scaling high-growth software businesses across the UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand. As Co-Founder and CTO of Intelligent Reach, he led the company’s growth from startup to a 100-person international SaaS business, culminating in a successful exit in 2024, while also establishing and growing its APAC operations. He has deep expertise in cloud infrastructure, product innovation, and engineering leadership, having built high-performing teams and delivered enterprise-scale platforms for global brands including Adidas, Samsung, HP, and Lenovo.
The Team - Partners
Duncan Ross
Founder - impactHE
Connect51 is pleased to partner with ImpactHE and its founder, Duncan Ross, a recognised leader in data science, analytics, and higher education performance. As Director of Data and Analytics at Times Higher Education, Duncan led the teams responsible for the World University Rankings, Impact Rankings, and a range of research intelligence products that have shaped decision-making across the global higher education sector. With a career spanning advanced analytics, data science, and AI across higher education, telecommunications, and manufacturing, Duncan brings deep expertise in turning complex data into actionable insights that drive institutional performance and impact.
Billy Wong
Co-founder & Data Scientist - measuresHE
Connect51 is pleased to partner with MeasuresHE and its co-founder, Billy Wong, a recognised leader in research analytics and data science. As Principal Data Scientist at Times Higher Education, Billy spent a decade leading the development of data-driven methodologies and products that shaped the global higher education sector, including the launch of the Impact Rankings, enhancements to the World University Rankings, and the creation of the world's first Interdisciplinary Science Rankings. Through this partnership, Connect51 combines deep expertise in research intelligence, university performance, and strategic analytics to help institutions strengthen their impact, visibility, and global engagement.
David Watkins
Co-founder & Data Scientist - measuresHE
Connect51 is pleased to partner with MeasuresHE and its co-founder, David Watkins, a recognised leader in data, AI, and higher education performance analytics. Formerly Managing Director of Data at Times Higher Education, David led the collection and analysis of data from more than 3,000 institutions worldwide, shaping the methodologies and insights behind some of the sector's most influential rankings. His extensive experience across higher education, financial services, telecommunications, and technology brings world-class expertise in data strategy, AI, and performance improvement to Connect51's clients.
Let's lift your research impact
Book a demo and see what Connect51 can do with your data.