About Thematic Research Leads
Thematic Research Leads are researchers embedded three days a week in Parliament, whilst retaining their substantive academic post for the remaining time. They are based in policy-relevant teams in Parliament and operate in a network facilitated by POST’s Knowledge Exchange Unit.
The purpose of the Thematic Research Lead is to facilitate and enhance the use of research evidence and expertise in Parliament (in both the House of Commons and House of Lords) through effective knowledge exchange, collaboration and processes.
Find out more about this unique and varied role from the people who’ve done it – you can read their stories below.
Stories from the 2024-26 cohort
Case studies from the 2024-26 cohort
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Advancing technical oversight in the parliamentary phone theft inquiry
A case study from Professor Varuna De Silva, Thematic Research Lead for AI and Digital
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Increasing “supply” of Arts and Humanities research into Parliament
A case study from Professor Helen McCabe, Thematic Research Lead for Arts and Humanities
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Remote and hybrid working: Following a special inquiry from start to finish
A case study from Associate Professor Jane Parry, Thematic Research Lead for Economics and Trade
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Bill Boxes and horizon scanning
Two case studies from Professor Ruth Lamont, Thematic Research Lead for Crime and Justice
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Health in all policies: The role of exercise as an intervention in frailty
A case study from Associate Professor David Strain, Thematic Research Lead for Health
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Supporting the International Development Committee
A case study from Dr Leslie-Anne Duvic-Paoli, Thematic Research Lead for International Affairs and National Security
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Innovating on horizon scanning
A case study from Professor Louise Reardon, Thematic Research Lead for Transport
Stories from the 2023-24 cohort
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Professor Tamsin Edwards
"Being a Thematic Research Lead has been transformative"
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Professor Kristen Harkness
"I have found it deeply meaningful to step into this role and try to make a difference"
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Professor Rick Whitaker
"Working with staff across the different legislatures in the UK has been fascinating for me"