UPEN welcomes Wrexham University to the network

We are pleased to announce that Wrexham University joins UPEN as the newest member of our network. Wrexham University joins 120+ other universities, policy organisations and organisations who champion and strengthen the use of academic evidence in policymaking. Wrexham University is a dynamic and inclusive institution rooted in civic responsibility and driven by impact. Since achieving university status in 2008, they have grown to serve over 6,000 students across three campuses in North Wales. Their development has been shaped by the needs of our students, partners, and communities—locally, regionally, and increasingly, globally.

Wrexham University is an emerging research hub, actively building a culture of impactful scholarship and have recently launched their 2030 vision. As signatories of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, they are dedicated to enabling our researchers to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the economic, social, and cultural development of North Wales and beyond.

On joining UPEN, Nina Ruddle, Wrexham University Head of Public Policy Engagement and UPEN Institutional Lead, said:

We are delighted to be joining Universities Policy Engagement Network. Joining UPEN enables us to bridge the gap between policy-making and citizen voices—shaping policies that directly impact the lives of the communities we serve.

This aligns directly with our Vision 2030: to be a world-leading modern civic university, regionally and globally engaged, delivering skills and impactful research that drive economic growth and innovation for the well-being of current and future generations.

Laura Bea, UPEN Head of Membership and Network Development, said:

We warmly welcome Wrexham University in the UPEN network. We’re excited to support and spotlight their work in building meaningful connections between research and policy, in particular their work around place and civic engagement in North Wales.

We encourage all our members to extend a warm welcome to Wrexham University and new colleagues. Interested in learning from Wrexham University? Contact their UPEN institutional lead, Nina Ruddle.