British Academy appoints new Director of Policy and Engagement

The British Academy is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Molly Morgan Jones as Director of Policy and Engagement. 

In her new role, Molly will be responsible for increasing the voice and influence of the Academy through evidence-based policy development, outreach and stakeholder engagement. This is a newly-created position that will be crucial in delivering the Academy’s core purpose and strategic plan. 

Molly’s most recent position was as a senior research leader with RAND Europe, an independent not-for-profit research institute whose mission is to help improve policy and decision making through research and analysis. She specialises in science and innovation policy and the analysis of research impact. She has conducted policy research for public and private sector clients within the UK and internationally across a range of areas, including higher education and research policy, biomedical and health innovation, global health, digital technologies, and HIV/AIDS. 

Prior to joining RAND Europe, Molly worked for the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She received her DPhil in Science and Technology Policy from the University of Sussex and has a BA in Biology from Northwestern University (Illinois), United States.

Molly will take up her new position at the end of September. 

Speaking to the British Academy, Molly said:

“I am delighted to be joining the British Academy as the new Director of Policy and Engagement. My experience in conducting multi- and interdisciplinary policy research nationally and internationally will complement the Academy’s existing policy portfolio. 

“I am looking forward to continuing the Academy’s tradition of insightful and rigorous research to highlight the importance of the humanities and social sciences in addressing the challenges facing our society, whilst also expanding the policy work into new territory that will further extend its impact.”