Meet our sub-committees

UPEN sub-committees are a collaborative space for sharing best practice, running dedicated events and producing reports and activity that contribute to key areas of interest in the academic-policy engagement ecosystem. They are chaired by UPEN members and made up of knowledge brokers, academics, policymakers and external partners.

Get in touch

Four people are around a table, the two on the furthest left and right are leaning over, and two people are sat facing the camera. They are looking at a spread of information on the table in front of them. One of then is gesticulating with their hand and talking to the others.

Areas of Research Interest sub-committee

The Areas of Research Interest (ARI) sub-committee serves as a bridge between national, local and regional ARI and the academic community, enhancing comprehension of research priorities.

Find out about our work on ARIs

Chaired by

Arts and Humanities sub-committee

Dedicated to integrating arts and humanities evidence into policy discourse and decision-making processes, the A&H sub-committee facilitates dialogue among academics, policymakers, and other policy actors.

Chaired by

Laura Bea

UCL, University of Southampton

Rebecca Di Corpo

Bath Spa University

Devolved and Regional sub-committee

By providing practical insights into engaging with different levels of government on various policy themes and acknowledging their diverse competences and structures, the D&R sub-committee supports colleagues across the UPEN network on a regional/metropolitan basis.

Chaired by

Rebecca Riley

University of Birmingham

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion sub-committee

Dedicated to promoting a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the academic-policy landscape, the EDI sub-committee aims to address and dismantle systemic barriers, enhance representation, and amplify marginalised voices.

Chaired by

Dave Blackbell

Scottish Policy and Research Exchange