Dr. Andy Russell, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science and Director of the Research Centre for Environmental Change and Communities, has been appointed as a Thematic Research Lead (TRL) on Climate and Environment for UK Parliament.
Dr Russell will serve in this influential role from September 2024 to summer 2026, where he will provide expert advice and coordinate parliamentary activities related to climate and environmental evidence.
The Thematic Research Leads are embedded in Parliament part time, while retaining their academic posts, to act as a steppingstone between Parliament and the academic community. This initiative, piloted in 2023 by Parliament in collaboration with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), has already demonstrated significant positive impacts, leading to its expansion with the support of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
As a TRL, Dr. Russell will be involved in:
The 2024-2026 TRL program includes roles across a wide range of disciplines, including AI and Digital, Arts and Humanities, Business, Economics and Trade, Crime and Justice, Health, International Affairs and National Security, and Transport. Funded by UKRI and supported by all of its research councils, these part-time roles aim to bring academic expertise into the heart of policy-making.
Dr. Russell’s appointment underscores his exceptional contributions to environmental science and his dedication to integrating academic research with public policy. His role as a TRL will be instrumental in developing and implementing the evidence-base climate and environmental policies, highlighting Queen Mary University of London’s commitment to impactful research and public engagement.
“I am honoured to take on the role of Thematic Research Lead for Climate and Environment,” said Dr. Andy Russell. “This is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between cutting-edge environmental research and the development of informed public policies. I look forward to collaborating with Parliament and fellow researchers to tackle the pressing climate and environmental challenges facing our society.”
Professor Frances Bowen, Vice-Principal and Executive Dean (Humanities and Social Sciences) at Queen Mary University of London, commented: “Dr Andy Russell’s appointment as a Thematic Research Lead is a testament to his outstanding work in environmental science. This role not only recognises his expertise but also emphasises the crucial role that academic research plays in shaping effective and informed public policy. We are incredibly proud of Dr Russell and look forward to the positive impact he will make in Parliament.”
For more information on the Thematic Research Lead program and other appointments, please visit the UK Parliament website and the UKRI website.
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