Dr Lesley Paterson

Lesley is an independent freelancer specialising in engagement, evaluation, and communications across higher education, cultural, and innovation sectors. With over 20 years of experience, she excels in developing strategies, managing projects, and fostering partnerships. She has served on various advisory groups and funding panels and is currently a Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) Impact Assessor and a Knowledge Exchange Concordat Evaluator. Lesley’s previous roles include Head of Public Engagement with Research at the University of Oxford, Head of Communications & Engagement at the Royal Academy of Engineering, and Public Engagement Project Manager at the Wellcome Trust. She holds advanced degrees in Social Science Research Methods, Science Communication, and a PhD in the sciences.