Rachel Pattinson

I manage digital research and social innovation programmes at Open Lab, a world-leading research group in interaction design and ubiquitous computing at Newcastle University.

I’m responsible for the strategic management and operational delivery of the EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Digital Civics. I work closely with the academic directors and I’m responsible for administration and communications for the CDT, as well as organising training events and activities. Alongside my work on the CDT, I have provided management support to Newcastle University and Northumbria University’s EPSRC Digital Economy Research Centre (2015 – 2021) and EPSRC Centre for Digital Citizens (2020 – 2025) during my time working with Open Lab. I also acted as a member of the core bidding team for the EPSRC NortHFutures Digital Health Hub (2023 – 2026).

These programmes are training and supporting researchers to explore how emerging digital technologies can promote civic engagement, and I work closely with Open Lab’s industry and community partners and stakeholders.

I’m one of the founders of Newcastle University’s Centre for Children and Youth, and I also work as Strategic Cultural Partnerships Manager, managing Newcastle University’s partnerships in the cultural and creative industries.

During my time in Open Lab, I have graduated from my Level 7 Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship and MSc in Strategic Leadership at Newcastle University Business School and become a Chartered Manager.

I volunteer as a director and trustee of award-winning theatre and creative learning charity Mortal Fools, and as a co-founder of Women in Tech North East, a regional network that supports and connects women and non-binary people in the digital sector. I am also an award-winning children’s writer.

I am interested in exploring how technology is changing the way we live, and how we can change technology.