People – Engaging Research

Members of the OU's PER Catalyst team, 'An open research university'

An open research university: The Public Engagement with Research Catalyst Team
The OU's Public Engagement with Research Catalyst involves a multi-disciplinary team, working on a series of work packages that connect with the NCCPE's EDGE Tool.

The project is led by Professor Tim Blackman, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Scholarship and Quality). Dr Richard Holliman (Faculty of Science) is the academic lead on the project, and a co-Investigator. As the Open University’s Champion for Public Engagement with Research, he works closely with Professor Blackman to strategically oversee engagement opportunities across the university’s research community. With support from Fiona McKerlie (Project Manager), Richard has strategic and operational responsibility for all aspects of the project, with particular responsibilities for leading the Leadership and Mission work packages.

The project team also includes a number of other co-investigators and Research Associates:

Professor Eileen Scanlon: based in the Institute of Educational Technology (IET), Eileen is working on the Communication work package, alongside Trevor Collins.
Dr Trevor Collins: based in the Knowledge Media Institute (KMi), Trevor is working on the Learning and Communication work packages.
Dr Richard Holti: based in the Faculty of Business and Law (also known as the OU Business School), Richard is working on the Support work package.
Dr Anne Adams: based in the Institute of Educational Technology (IET), Anne is working with Dr Ann Grand (Research Associate in IET) on the Staff work package.
Dr Nick Mahony: based in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Nick is working with Dr Hilde Stephansen (Research Associate in Social Sciences) on the Students and Publics work packages.

Members of the OU's SUPI project, 'Engaging opportunities'

The Engaging Opportunities (SUPI) Project Team

The project is led by Dr Richard Holliman as Principal Investigator. He is the Open University’s Champion for Public Engagement with Research, an appointment that allows him to strategically oversee engagement opportunities across the university’s research community.

Working with the support of Diane Ford (Project Manager), Richard has strategic and operational responsibility for all aspects of the project. He oversees strategic planning and progress against the project objectives, working in partnership with Andy Squires (Senior Deputy Headteacher) from the Denbigh School Teaching Alliance.

The project team also includes three co-investigators (co-Is) Elizabeth Whitelegg (an expert in issues of diversity), Kris Stutchbury (an expert in teacher training) and Professor Eileen Scanlon (an evaluation expert). Mark Russell is the Project Coordinator working on secondment from the Denbigh School Teaching Alliance, and Dr Gareth Davies is the Evaluation Research Associate.