Personal profile

Biography

Research Focus & Expertise
Helen specialises in relational design and infrastructuring for social innovation, with particular emphasis on fostering sustainable, just outcomes within grassroots and marginalised communities. Her work examines how strengthening relationships and neighbourhood connections can catalyse collective responses to community challenges, ultimately promoting well-being for all residents.

Current Research
Helen's doctoral research consists of a place-based action enquiry in a neighbourhood of Newcastle upon Tyne, investigating grassroots participatory social innovation. This work explores:
- The infrastructuring (spaces, roles, tools, languages, and practices) that enable meaningful community relationships and unlock collective creativity
- Methods for building individual and community agency, confidence, and skills to address shared needs
- Applications of relationality, inclusivity, accessibility, and compassion in practice-based research

Academic Leadership & Knowledge Exchange
Helen demonstrates strong commitment to bridging academic and public spheres through innovative knowledge-sharing initiatives:
- Co-producer of the School of Design podcast Designamite which covers the research, teaching and practice of the School of Design.
- Lead several initiatives exploring how exhibitions and shows can be utilised to stimulate conversations within new forms of publics (Exhibitions for Critical Discourse and Final Degree shows as an invitation).
- Founding member of the Responsible Innovation Hub (ReIn), creating spaces to explore how design can help handle disputes, navigate tensions and facilitate multidisciplinary co-creation.

Teaching Philosophy
Helen advocates for pedagogical innovation through:
- Integration of new technologies to accommodate diverse learning styles
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Cross-sector/multidisciplinary collaborations that prepare students to address contemporary global challenges

Recent Projects & Affiliations
- Founder and Senior Researcher: Responsible Innovation Hub (ReIn)

- Principal Investigator: Research Culture and Podcasting
- Senior Researcher: Creative Fuse North East
- Senior Researcher: COST Action Multi-disciplinary innovation for social change
- Member: Responsible Design Innovation
- Member: nDESIS (Design for Social Innovation towards Sustainability)
- Member: Gendered Violence and Abuse IDRT

- Member: Design Feminisms Research Group
- Member: CITE Co-Enquiry & Innovation with Creative Methods

Professional Engagement
- Helen is a Freelance consultant
- Helen holds multiple voluntary/Trustee positions with local third-sector organisations

Keywords
#Design #Communities #SocialInnovation #Relationality #Sustainability #Creativity #ParticipatoryResearch #SocialJustice #Place-based

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Education/Academic qualification

Design Studies, MA, Multidisciplinary Innovation MA (with Distinction), Northumbria University

Award Date: 30 Sept 2021

Other Courses, BSc (Hons)

1 Jan 199831 Dec 2099

Award Date: 1 Jan 1998

Other Courses, BSc (Hons)

Award Date: 1 Jan 1998

External positions

Self Employed Innovation and Strategy Consultant

1 Oct 2021 → …

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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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