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Head of Public Engagement?
Ben is the institutional lead for Public Engagement, helping define what Public Engagement is and means at the University.
Ben has led on national science engagement programmes, consulted on the Discovery channel and managed the largest engagement training programme at UCL.?
Outside work Ben can often be found fossil hunting on the south coast or tinkering with 3D printers, uranium glass and materials with unusual properties.
Deputy Head of Public Engagement
Lisa leads the development and delivery of the Public Engagement Training programme, Public Engagement Network and the Development Fund.?
Lisa’s leadership of public and policy engagement and development of award-winning funding bids have enabled diverse research impacts across the University and beyond.?
Lisa is a passionate EDI champion who led the University’s Parent and Carer Network (2012–2022), shaping inclusive policies through public engagement. She enjoys travel, festivals, and paddle boarding.
Senior Administrator
Elizabeth oversees the operational delivery of all activity within the team, supporting all in bringing the public engagement vision to life.
Elizabeth is the secretariat for the Engaged University Steering Group and works with colleagues on the annual development fund as well as the Public Engagement Network.?
Elizabeth is involved in a variety of networks across the University, which showcases her commitment to sharing insights, know-how, and sparking collaboration.
Elizabeth is currently on a secondment project, working as Process Review Manager and will return to her role in PERu in 2027.
Senior Civic, Community and Public Engagement Manager
Ronda brings over two decades of experience in civic, community, and university engagement, working across multidisciplinary contexts. She now leads on civic engagement across the team and the University Directorate, applying?deep expertise to foster meaningful partnerships and drive impactful initiatives.?
Committed to equitable, collaborative and inclusive practice, with lived experience, Ronda is Vice-Chair of the staff and PGR Disability and Neurodivergence Network and manages the UK Disability History Month working group.
Senior Public Engagement Manager (Operations)
Silvia leads the UoS Festival team and is responsible for the planning, curation, and delivery of the BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Science and Engineering Festival (SOTSEF), the BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Arts and Humanities Festival, and the University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 'Bringing Research to Life' Roadshow.?
She discovered her passion for public engagement and communications whilst working as a cancer research scientist. In the past, she volunteered with the Italian Red Cross, collaborated with Cancer Research UK and brought Pint of Science Festival to BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载.
In her spare time Silvia rocks out to hard-rock tunes, dives into fantasy books, and lives for good food!
Senior Public Engagement Manager (Hubs)
Jess began working as School-University Partnership Officer in 2016 – and now she gets to apply that learning to working with communities, spending time getting to know and building relationships with people and organisations.
Jess has a PhD in Cryogenic Engineering & Superconductivity from the University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 (UoS), which is almost entirely unrelated to her MEng degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering with European Studies. Her third year research project was about a Wave Energy Converter so she is an expert in not taking the direct path.?
Public and Community Engagement Officer (Hubs)
Felicity joined the team in January 2024 and plays a key operational role in working with communities as the Public and Community Engagement (PCE) Hubs Officer.
Coming from the private healthcare sector, with a background in project management and customer service, she has 10 years marketing experience.
When not working, Felicity enjoys crafting, volunteering at her local baby bank, and performing in pantomine (oh no she doesn't)!
Operations and Relationships Manager (British Science Festival)
Kara joined the team in January, 2024 to support and facilitate the operational planning for our interactive festivals and 'on the road' public engagement events.
With a background in Performing Arts Kara has also spent over 15 years in the Travel, Leisure, Entertainment and Event industry, in a variety of experiential roles, including communications, event management, employee engagement, consultancy and customer experience.?
In her spare time Kara loves an adventure by the sea and sharing the arts with children through teaching, and performing in shows. She is motivated by these experiences and feels proud to be a part of a team that is helping to create opportunities for all.??
Festivals Administrator
Susan is the team’s Festivals Administrator. She joined the team in August 2025 to support the administration and delivery of the festivals and the UoS Roadshow’s events.
Susan brings a strong expertise in event organisation and supporting social mobility opportunities in lots of different settings, including the Probation Service and the Office for National Statistics.
When not working, Susan likes to spend time in nature and socialise with good friends.
Senior Engagement Fellow (currently on sabbatical)
Tony is dedicated to embedding public engagement with research as a normal practice across the institution. He works to create a diverse spectrum of opportunities that enable students and staff at all levels to actively participate in public engagement.?
Public Engagement Administrator
Rebecca provides administrative support for PERu’s core projects, from community civic engagement to festival delivery. Having joined the team in January 2026, she uses her background in film studies and event planning to ensure the team's diverse activities run seamlessly.
Rebecca is particularly motivated by the power of inspiration and connection, enjoying her role in making University research accesible to the wider community. Outside of work, she is a fan of the great outdoors and enjoys long walks with her dog (on sunny days).
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