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.
Nicky Buckley
University of Cambridge
Rob Davies
UCL
Rich Pickford
Nottingham Trent UniversityArts 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.
Laura Bea
UCL, University of Southampton
Rebecca Di Corpo
Bath Spa UniversityDevolved 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.
Rebecca Riley
University of BirminghamEquity, 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.
Dave Blackbell
Scottish Policy and Research Exchange
Olivia Stevenson
UCLLaura Bea
UCL, University of SouthamptonInternational 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.
Yaryna Basystyuk
University of Southampton
Will Pryor
University of OxfordProfessional 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.
Neil Heckels
Durham University