Oxfordshire’s Local Policy Lab has announced the appointment of its first Chief Scientific Advisers to lead its work in reducing health inequalities in Oxfordshire.
The Local Policy Lab is an alliance between the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, and Oxfordshire County Council. It aims to address health inequalities and support the creation of evidence-based public policy by connecting researchers from both universities with policymakers and local groups.
Professor James Robson, Dr Joanna Crocker, and Professor Jonathon Reid will be responsible for leading and delivering a three year research plan. The areas of focus will be delivering a skilled workforce and fair employment, ensuring a healthy living standard for all, and enabling children and young people to thrive.
Professor James Robson is Associate Professor of Tertiary Education Systems at the University of Oxford’s Department of Education. His research focuses on the political economy of tertiary education. Robson told Cherwell: “The Local Policy Lab is a major innovation designed to bridge research, policy, and community and so I’m delighted to join it as Chief Scientific Advisor supporting the delivery of a skilled workforce and fair employment across the county.
“In recent years, my research has involved working with central government emphasising the importance of place-based approaches to the development of integrated skills and innovation systems that drive local and regional economic growth, support meaningful community engagement, and lead to the development of meaningful career opportunities for everyone. Therefore, I’m really excited to build on this at the local level and work with colleagues across the county on this agenda.”
Dr Joanna Crocker, a senior researcher in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, told Cherwell: “I’m honoured and excited to take on this role with the Oxfordshire Local Policy Lab. We have a unique opportunity to address local health inequalities through collaborative research with communities, policymakers and academics.”
The two advisers from the Oxford University will be joined by Dr Jonathon Reid, an Associate Professor of Education in the School of Education, Humanities, and Languages at Oxford Brookes University. His research focuses on inclusion and exclusion in education.
The appointment of Chief Scientific Advisers comes alongside the launch of the council’s research strategy, which runs until 2030 and informs the council’s use of research in delivering policy for a “greener, fairer and healthier Oxfordshire”.
