Rebecca Riley

I am Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Regional Engagement, Co-Director of City-REDI at the University of Birmingham and a member of the Academy of Social Sciences FAcSS. I am a champion of civic engagement, regional development, and innovation policy. Which is central to my partnership engagement as DPVC, putting into practice the research I have delivered over my career. I have built a portfolio career dedicated to translating research into real-world impact, particularly through the lens of social science.

My work is grounded in the belief that the social sciences matter because they help us understand people, places, and systems and how they interact. As a leader of City-REDI we have transformed the institute into a nationally recognised hub for place-based research, policy innovation, and civic collaboration. The team has delivered over 200 projects and produced more than 600 research outputs, shaping local and national policy agendas.

I am a champion of using evidence for decision making, making research accessible and ensuring it has impact. Throughout my career I have explored and continue to refine the use of data and intelligence to underpin strategy, policy and practice. My research areas include place based economic development, skills and delivering civic impact from academic research.