Futurelab staff
All staff are shown below in alphabetical order - alternatively click on the names in the box to the right, which lists staff by department.
Communications Manager - Lacia Ashman
Lacia is responsible for increasing awareness and understanding of Futurelab and its activities using a range of marketing tools including publications, conferences, website, competitions, partnerships, PR and promotional materials. Previously, Lacia spent two and a half years at the University of Bristol where she was responsible for marketing enterprise and the commercialisation of research. Before that she gained experience on both the agency and client sides of marketing, working for a marketing agency and for a specialist chemical start-up company. Her background includes a Masters in marketing and a Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
lacia [dot] ashman [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8222
Technology Manager - Toby Blackburn
Toby manages Futurelab's network infrastructure and IT systems, and also assists on projects with technical specifications and implementation. He came to Futurelab from SEA, where he managed their support team covering the company's two sites, and was also responsible for the design and implementation of all elements of their IT infrastructure and strategy, including helpdesk, projects, business continuity, process management and auditing. Prior to this, Toby worked as part of the Projects and Strategy team for Eurostar UK, performing server and desktop rollouts, and developing intranets. He has a degree in Microbiology from Cardiff University.
toby [dot] blackburn [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8213
Chief Executive - Stephen Breslin
Stephen joined Futurelab in 2008 as Chief Executive. Prior to this he was Chief Executive of The Kelvin Institute Ltd, which was formed as a joint venture between two of Scotland's leading universites as a vehicle for the commercialisation of university-generated intellectual property. Stephen's background is in engineering, and he has over 15 years' experience in commercial software development, working with many of the world's largest blue-chip organisations in a variety of fast-moving technology sectors. Stephen holds a BSc (Hons) and a PhD from the University of Strathclyde, as well as an MSc from the University of Sheffield.
stephen [dot] breslin [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
Web Editor - Jenny Brindley
Jenny's role as Futurelab's web editor involves updating and editing content, compiling the monthly e-newsletter, liaising with contributors and designers, and managing the development of the site. Jenny came to Futurelab from the voluntary sector, where for six years she worked as Development Officer at Avon Wildlife Trust. This involved coordinating lottery bids and other major fundraising applications, developing and editing the website, and helping to organise events. Prior to that, she was Information Officer at the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, helping to coordinate systems for internal and external communications.
jenny [dot] brindley [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8209
Art Director - Ben Carruthers
Ben works closely with the rest of the communications team as well as external agencies, overseeing all of Futurelab's creative output and responsible for the design and art direction of all its communication materials. Ben spent the first three years of his career at the BBC where he developed new BBC brands and their application for printed media as well as working with a variety of BBC departments, helping them to communicate creatively with external and internal audiences. Prior to joining Futurelab he was with one of Bristol's leading design agencies where he worked on blue chip accounts with a particular focus on the
ben [dot] carruthers [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8236
Communications Administrator - Sophie Cresswell
Sophie is responsible for supporting the Communications team at Futurelab. This includes pro-actively maintaining the contacts database and undertaking mailings, assisting with events and PR, and providing general administrative support. Before joining Futurelab, Sophie worked in a variety of roles, primarily within the HE sector, with experience in PR, administration, and as a PA. She has a degree in Cultural and Media Studies, is a qualified massage therapist and speaks fluent Inuktitut in her spare time.
sophie [dot] cresswell [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8206
Administrator - Laura Demery
Laura runs Futurelab's reception and switchboard and coordinates many of the organisation's centralised supplies and services. She also helps maintain the contact management system and provides support for events. Laura joined Futurelab after spending a few months working in the charitable sector, mainly at Bristol's volunteer bureau. Prior to this, her experience was gained in large commercial organisations. She initially used her ergonomics degree in the Human Factors research department at British Aerospace for nine years before moving into IT and the Financial Services industry at Clerical Medical for 14 years.
laura [dot] demery [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8200
Research Director - Keri Facer
Keri is responsible for Futurelab’s R&D agenda and activities and leads Futurelab’s partnership with DCSF on the Futures programme. She has published widely in the field of children's digital cultures, with a particular focus on
Associations: Economic and Social Research Council Technology Enhanced Learning Programme Steering Group; Teaching and Learning Research Programme Steering Group; DCSF/DCMS Creative and Cultural Education Advisory Board
keri [dot] facer [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8211
Learning Research Coordinator - Sarah Godfrey
Sarah is responsible for supporting the Learning Team at Futurelab, by coordinating all aspects of educational prototype trials and Innovations Workshops, and maintaining contact databases. Sarah has come from the financial services sector, where she worked as a learning and development coordinator. This involved organising learning programmes, setting up and managing Learning Resource Centres, budget management and reporting. Sarah and the rest of the team were responsible for all learning and development training across the business.
sarah [dot] godfrey [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8228
Learning Researcher - Lyndsay Grant
Lyndsay is interested in the role of popular culture and new technologies in changing the definitions of literacy, the impact of ICTs on the production and analysis of texts, and the potential of technology to facilitate collaborative learning and the development of oracy skills. Before joining Futurelab, she worked as a publisher for Pearson Education producing print and digital literacy resources for primary schools.
lyndsay [dot] grant [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8231
Design Coordinator - Marisa Harlington
Marisa's role at Futurelab is to assist in the coordination and production of marketing material. She ensures that high standards are adhered to in all parts of the production of promotional material, and oversees the smooth delivery of all printed matter. Prior to joining Futurelab, Marisa was an administrator for a renowned firm of architects in Bristol, responsible for refining document presentation as well as being PA to the founding director. She gained FPC1 accreditation while administering for an international group insurance company, and has a degree in English and Art from York.
marisa [dot] harlington [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8226
Technical Production Associate - Graham Hopkins
Graham's role at Futurelab is to help manage the delivery of prototype projects, ensuring all project documentation is produced and prototypes are completed on time and to a high quality. He also runs the Call For Ideas process, carries out initial market research on new projects, and helps maintain good relationships with our project partners. Prior to joining Futurelab, Graham was a project manager for an innovative software company in London, and prior to that worked on a three-year web-based information project in central London, for older people and people with disabilities. Graham has a degree in Environmental Studies from Hertfordshire.
graham [dot] hopkins [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8204
Learning Researcher - Tash Lee Jones
Tash's primary research interests include the use of augmented reality for learning (the mixing of real and virtual environments/narratives), gender differences in the use of
tash [dot] lee [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8214
Senior Producer - Clara Lemon
Clara is responsible for delivering Futurelab's projects, producing a broad range of digital resources ranging from websites and web applications to interactive programmable water fountains and
clara [dot] lemon [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8215
Office Manager - Joanne O'Hagan
Joanne is responsible for the administration of the Beyond Current Horizons project, including the management of events for various strands of the programme. She is also responsible for Futurelab's facilities and office environment, a role which encompasses health and safety and HR administration, as well as building maintenance and space development. Previously, Joanne worked as PA to the Head of the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television in Bradford. Having previously trained as a sports therapist, she then took the opportunity to work freelance on contracts including international duty with GB Mountain Bike Team, and tutoring adult learners in sports therapy. Joanne's background includes senior PA roles in several blue chip companies.
joanne [dot] ohagan [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8203
Learning Researcher - Sarah Payton
Sarah works on the Enquiring Minds project, supporting teachers in developing their Enquiring Minds practice and researching the impact of the project in schools across the UK. She is particularly interested in tracking the innovation trails as different schools develop Enquiring Minds, the use of digital technologies to support practice, and student/teacher perceptions of the changing role of the teacher. Prior to joining Futurelab Sarah taught as a primary school teacher in Bristol, during which time she was involved in Futurelab's Fountaineers project. She has a BSc in Psychology and Health Science.
sarah [dot] payton [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8216
Learning Researcher - Carlo Perrotta
Carlo’s main research interests in Futurelab are broadly concerned with
carlo [dot] perrotta [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8220
Web Developer - Tim Reader
Tim is responsible for the technical and strategic development of Futurelab's website, ensuring it conforms to current best practice guidelines and is at the cutting edge of new and emerging technologies. Prior to joining Futurelab he worked for three years as a Web Developer at UK Transplant, where projects included an extensive accessibility audit and overhaul, and converting the 1,000-page static site to a data-driven, dynamic JSP site. During this time, Tim worked on numerous freelance projects and is currently in demand as a consultant across the region for his knowledge of accessibility, usability and web standards.
tim [dot] reader [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8235
Senior Researcher - Tim Rudd
Tim is Senior Researcher in Futurelab's learning team, working on and advising on a range of research projects, written outputs and events. Prior to this he was head of evidence and research at Becta, where he worked on a range of policy-related projects and programmes relating to research into
tim [dot] rudd [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8232
Learning Researcher - Richard Sandford
Richard is one of the researchers working on the Beyond Current Horizons programme, building partnerships, reviewing futures work within the UK and internationally, and exploring the possible implications of this work for education. Previously he was based in Singapore as part of the iLAB2015 collaboration, and before that he led the Teaching with Games project, investigating the place of mainstream computer games in formal learning environments. Richard's research interests are centred around the social behaviours around
richard [dot] sandford [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8229
Operations and Planning Director - Stephen Sayers
Steve is responsible for the operational and business planning activities of Futurelab including finance, infrastructure and human resources. He plays a major part in setting the organisation's strategy, developing its business plan and monitoring Futurelab's progress against its aims. Before Futurelab Steve worked on fundraising and business development for the At-Bristol science centre both prior to its opening and during its early operation. He has been with Futurelab since its launch and deputises for the Chief Executive in his absence.
Associations: Academy-Industry Digital Alliance (AIDA) Steering Group
steve [dot] sayers [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8208
Learning Researcher - Dan Sutch
Dan’s main research interests are in
dan [dot] sutch [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8221
Events Coordinator - Karen Thompson
Karen is responsible for coordinating Futurelab's seminar and workshop programme, biannual conferences and Design Challenge. She also manages Futurelab's presence at large-scale events such as BETT. Karen joined Futurelab from an agency background. She has worked within the events industry for many years and has organised a wide range of events from corporate hospitality and team building to product launches, awards dinners, exhibitions and large conferences attracting over 1,000 delegates.
karen [dot] thompson [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8205
Project Manager - Duncan Thomson
Duncan is responsible for ensuring that the most effective and appropriate project management practices are used across the range of work that Futurelab carries out, from planning through to final delivery. Prior to this role, he spent 9 years in BBC
duncan [dot] thomson [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8225
Finance Administrator - Ha Tong
Ha's role is to assist Steve with the management of Futurelab's financial and reporting systems. This involves maintaining and implementing procedures to efficiently comply with statutory and regulatory requirements, including preparing for audits, producing annual reports and supporting project accounting systems. Before joining Futurelab, Ha worked in the manufacturing sector of banking for four years, and prior to that she studied languages and art. She is currently training in accountancy management.
ha [dot] tong [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8219
Learning Researcher - Mary Ulicsak
At Futurelab Mary conducts prototype research and evaluation of digital technologies for learning within the UK. Her interests include developing technology to support collaboration and assessing its impact; and investigating the role of participants in design. Previously she was at the University of Birmingham, where she focused on the use of computers to scaffold self-assessment of group skill usage and then provide feedback about the group's interactions. Other research work includes looking at websites to raise educational aspirations at the Centre for Applied Research in Educational Technologies at the University of Cambridge, and the use of jokes to improve children's linguistic comprehension at the University of Sussex.
mary [dot] ulicsak [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8218
Senior Researcher - Leila Walker
Leila works primarily on the Digital Inclusion project; her involvement in this project stems from her own interests in inclusion and teaching and learning. She completed her PGCE in 1994 and taught science and psychology for 13 years in a number of schools both in London and Bristol. In 2004, Leila completed her doctoral thesis in practitioner thinking about the successful use of resource-media in the secondary science classroom from Cambridge University, whilst continuing to teach as an Advanced Skills Teacher and later as an Assistant Head Teacher.
leila [dot] walker [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8212
Administrator to the Chief Executive - Hayley Welton
Hayley's role is to assist with Stephen's diary management and to coordinate and manage meetings between the members of the Board of Trustees. Her background includes a degree in Psychology and Health Science, 10 years' experience in administration/PA positions, and four years working in the financial services, where she gained FPC1 and FPC2 accreditation. Prior to joining Futurelab she spent three years travelling, and on returning to the UK decided to take a different career path into the education sector. During the rest of her working week (her hours at Futurelab are part-time) Hayley volunteers at both a local primary school and a local youth project for people aged 11-25.
hayley [dot] welton [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8207
Senior Learning Researcher - Ben Williamson
Ben’s research interests include the ways in which education policy and research is translated into school practices, the role of different media in constructing and representing ideas about childhood, and student voice. At Futurelab he has worked on the three-year Enquiring Minds project, carried out research and written about
ben [dot] williamson [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8217