Skip navigation

Who Is.. Dr Nick Spencer

Dr Nick Spencer, Co-Investigator

Nick Spencer is Associate Professor of Design Innovation and Head of the Industrial Design Subject in the School of Design at Northumbria University. His research is interested in the application of design to navigate contested futures within complex social and organisational situations contributing to our understanding of Design for Social Innovation. Spencer leads a network of researchers and practitioners as part of the COST Action (CA18236) investigating design approaches to Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship and leads the DESIS Lab at Northumbria part of the international network Design for Social Innovation towards Sustainability. He has also helped to establish new practices that support the creative exploration of innovation readiness in small to medium sized businesses and is regularly consulted to support larger organisations to develop the structures, cultures and practices that enable inclusive approaches to design-led strategic change.


Abstract image showing design research
+

Explore Design Research

Find out more about our research, staff and collaborations that takes place in the School of Design on our dedicated Design Research website. 

Image showing tool being made
+

Postgraduate Research Degrees

We have a vibrant postgraduate research community with over 60 PhD students working in issues related to design methods, theory and practice across all our areas of design expertise. Find out about what we can offer. 

Photo showing researchers around a table with sticky notes
+

Postgraduate Taught Research

Our MRes in Design offers an opportunity to carry out original, in-depth design research, aimed at equipping students for further academic study at doctoral level or to work as a researcher in related industries.

Latest News and Features

Vera Selby MBE.
Launch of The Regeneration Shop in Chopwell. Sarah Cotton, Senior Programmes Manager at Chopwell Regeneration Group; Jennine Wilson, Lecturer in Fashion and Senior Technician at Northumbria University; Hal Convery, Shop Manager at The Regeneration Shop; Crystal Hicks, Executive Director of Chopwell Regeneration Group; Gayle Cantrell, Assistant Professor BA Fashion Communication at Northumbria University; Sophie Wetherell, Assistant Professor BA Fashion / MA Fashion Design at Northumbria University; Emma Jane Goldsmith Assistant Professor BA Fashion / MA Fashion Design at Northumbria University; Professor Anne Peirson-Smith, Head of Fashion at Northumbria University.
a collage of images used as the front page of a student's fashion project
Mothers working on the quilts at the community workshops hosted by the researchers.
Designing a sustainable future
a stock image of a digitized city scape
boat in venice

Venice Biennale Fellowship

Northumbria is delighted to be part of the British Council’s Venice Fellowship Programme. Two…

AHRC banner, showing different people involved doing different activites.
More events

Upcoming events

Professor Anne Peirson-Smith Inaugural

Back to top