James Canton

James Canton is Deputy Director for Innovation and Public Policy at the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). He leads ESRC’s work to connect research and evidence with major policy challenges, overseeing investments such as the What Works Centres and UKRI’s Policy Fellowships. His role focuses on building partnerships across government and academia to ensure evidence, data and insights inform national decision-making.

Before joining ESRC in 2020, James held roles at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport. He holds a PhD, MRes, and an undergraduate degree in Social Science from the University of Bath.