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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.

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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.
Chaired by

Nicky Buckley

University of Cambridge
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Rob Davies

UCL
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Rich Pickford

Nottingham Trent University

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
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Laura Bea

UCL, University of Southampton
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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
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Olivia Stevenson

UCL
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Laura Bea

UCL, University of Southampton

International sub-committee

The international sub-committee aims to bridge the gap between policymakers, researchers, and other policy actors worldwide through robust knowledge exchange and dynamic partnerships.
Chaired by

Yaryna Basystyuk

University of Southampton
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Will Pryor

University of Oxford

Professional Development sub-committee

To empower academic-policy practitioners, the Professional Development sub-committee offers tailored training, mentorship, and networking to equip individuals for impactful engagement at the intersection of academia and policy.
Chaired by
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Neil Heckels

Durham University
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Alison Clarke

Insights North East
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Audrey Tan

UCL