Who We Are

We are a policy institute, which draws upon the University of Southampton’s research expertise to respond to the regional challenges and opportunities identified by our civic partners.

The Centre for the South makes use of the University’s knowledge base to develop accessible and evidence-informed policy insights. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable space for identifying place-based challenges, via building open and honest relationships between the University of Southampton and non-academic partners. Together, we can tackle the most pressing challenges of our place and find pragmatic solutions for the Central South.

Meet the Team

  • Dianna Smith

    CO-DIRECTOR

    Dianna is an Associate Professor in Geography and has worked on many projects in collaboration with local government and civil society, spanning the disciplines of geography and public health. She is particularly interested in addressing challenges relating to food, diet and health inequalities.

  • G Giles

    CO-DIRECTOR

    Giles is the head of Public Policy|Southampton, bringing a wealth of knowledge from previous experience gained in central and local government. He is excited about finding solutions for the future of work in the central South, as well as improving power structures in the region.

  • John Boswell

    CO-DIRECTOR

    John is a Professor in Politics whose interests centre around democratic governance and public policy. He is particularly keen to work on challenges related to transport infrastructures and exploring the role of libraries for the community.

  • Ruby Fox

    COMMUNICATIONS INTERN

    Ruby is a Biomedical Sciences undergraduate undergoing a University of Southampton internship.

Key Collaborators

  • TOM Ball

    Tom is Head of the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Winchester, with research interests in ecology, hydrological sciences, sustainable development and the impact of cllimate change.

  • Paul Everill

    Paul is a Reader in Archaeology and REF unit of assessment lead for Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Winchester. He co-directs an excavation in west Georgia, and is interested in the social implications of archaeology, particularly with regard to public benefit, mental health and wellbeing. He is co-lead of the AMPHORA project, supporting the delivery of therapeutic heritage-related activities.

  • Rebecca Kinge

    Rebecca is a director of The Southampton Collective, and part of Southampton Voluntary Services. She is a community organiser involved in sustainability and inclusion projects.

  • Lawrence McKay

    Lawrence is a political scientist and British Academy Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, interested in how where people live affects people’s political attitudes and behaviours.

  • Adam Meylan-Stevenson

    Adam is a PhD student at the University of Southampton, and Senior Policy Associate at Public Policy|Southampton. His PhD research focuses on the politics and ethics of air pollution policy.

  • Max Stafford

    Max is a Politics and Social Sciences lecturer at the University of Southampton, interested in boosting students’ employability and skills.

    Max researches and consults on political leadership (local & national) and management.

  • Karen Burnell

    Karen is an Associate Professor in Applied Psychology and Research Lead for Social Research and Policy at Solent University. She is interested in psychosocial mental health and wellbeing interventions and co-leads the AMPHORA project, supporting the delivery of therapeutic heritage-related activities.

  • Tarek Teba

    Tarek is an Associate Professor in Architectural Heritage at the University of Portsmouth, interested in architectural conservation.

Advisory Board

  • John Denham

    John is a Professor and Director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics at the University of Southampton.

    He served as Labour MP for Southampton Itchen (1992-2015) and is a former Cabinet Minister. His final Ministerial role was as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in 2010.

  • Jane Falkingham

    Jane is a Professor of Demography & International Social Policy, and Vice President in International & Global Engagement at the University of Southampton. She is also the Director of the ESRC Centre for Population Change (CPC).

  • Will Jennings

    Will is a Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at the University of Southampton, and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

  • Sue Littlemore

    Sue is the Director of Civic University at the University of Southampton, and a senior level Policy and Communications expert.