Dr Jen Gold

ESRC Director of Research

Dr Jen Gold is Director of Research at the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Before joining ESRC in October 2021, Jen was Head of Evidence and Evaluation at 10 Downing Street. She previously led the UK Government’s ‘What Works’ initiative, which was established by the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury to champion the use of research evidence in public policy.

Jen has held senior roles at the Institute for Government and the University of Toronto’s School of Public Policy and Governance. She holds an MPhil and PhD from the University of Cambridge – both funded by the ESRC – and an undergraduate degree in Geography from Durham University. She has also been a Visiting Fellow in Science and Technology Studies at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Last updated: 4 September 2023

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