The newly merged City St George’s, University of London has launched a policy institute, to be led by former government adviser Diana Beech.

With a focus on “translating interdisciplinary research into solutions for real-world challenges”, the Finsbury Institute aims to bring together researchers, policymakers and campaigners and “operate outside conventional research structures”, the university said.

It sought to differentiate itself by looking beyond Whitehall to “support and engage with business and the professions through our unique platform in the City of London” and will have a “strong emphasis on entrepreneurial innovation”.

Currently chief executive of London Higher, Dr Beech will become inaugural director of the institute in April 2025, also taking on the roles of professor of policy and government affairs and associate vice-president for policy and government affairs.

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“With the world around us changing at pace, never has there been a more important time to connect the vital research being conducted in the heart of the city with the practitioners and policymakers who are working hard to shape the future,” said Dr Beech.

City joined forces with medical school St George’s in August, with its president Sir Anthony Finkelstein eyeing further opportunities to expand the institution that focuses on professional education.

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Dr Beech, who holds a PhD in German studies from the University of Cambridge, served in the Department for Education as a policy adviser during a tumultuous period in which the universities minister post changed hands four times in 16 months; with Sam Gyimah, Chris Skidmore, Lord Johnson of Marylebone and then Mr Skidmore again fulfilling the role at various points.

Formerly the first director of policy and advocacy at the Higher Education Policy Institute, she became head of government affairs at the University of Warwick after leaving government, before taking over at London Higher, the mission group for universities in the capital, in 2020.

Dr Beech said it had been a “great privilege” to serve as chief executive, a role she said had allowed her to work with “an eclectic mix of genuinely world-leading higher education institutions and fly the flag for the greatest city region on earth”.

The organisation said it had started the process of appointing a new chief executive and would shortly announce further details.

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Amanda Broderick, the chair of London Higher’s board, said Dr Beech’s “vision and commitment have significantly advanced our mission to support and promote London’s higher education sector”.

“While we will miss her leadership, we are excited about the future and the opportunity to bring in new talent to take London Higher from strength to strength.”

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com