Dr Cathy Smith

My current role is Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Northampton. This role involves strategic and operational oversight of the University’s research, knowledge exchange and enterprise strategies. A key focus of the Directorate is a strategic commitment to supporting and enhancing collaborative public, community and business engagement in research and innovation that focuses on local and regional priorities and we are currently engaged in a range of initiatives to support this.

My interest in the South Midlands region comes from having lived and worked in the County of Northamptonshire for nearly thirty years. During this time, I have had the opportunity to work with a number of organisations including Delapre Abbey (as a trustee) and West Northamptonshire Social Enterprise Towns CIC.  

I am a historian by training and have published in the fields of urban history and the history of mental health alongside developing a strong interest in local and regional history.