Helen Simmons

Research Focus & Expertise
Helen specialises in relational design and infrastructuring for social innovation, with particular emphasis on fostering sustainable, just outcomes within grassroots and marginalised communities. Her work examines how strengthening relationships and neighbourhood connections can catalyse collective responses to community challenges, ultimately promoting well-being for all residents.

Current Research
Helen's doctoral research consists of a place-based action enquiry in a neighbourhood of Newcastle upon Tyne, investigating grassroots participatory social innovation. This work explores:
- The infrastructuring (spaces, roles, tools, languages, and practices) that enable meaningful community relationships and unlock collective creativity
- Methods for building individual and community agency, confidence, and skills to address shared needs
- Applications of relationality, inclusivity, accessibility, and compassion in practice-based research

Academic Leadership & Knowledge Exchange
Helen demonstrates strong commitment to bridging academic and public spheres through innovative knowledge-sharing initiatives:
- Co-producer of the School of Design podcast Designamite which covers the research, teaching and practice of the School of Design.
- Lead several initiatives exploring how exhibitions and shows can be utilised to stimulate conversations within new forms of publics (Exhibitions for Critical Discourse and Final Degree shows as an invitation).
- Founding member of the Responsible Innovation Hub (ReIn), creating spaces to explore how design can help handle disputes, navigate tensions and facilitate multidisciplinary co-creation.

Teaching Philosophy
Helen advocates for pedagogical innovation through:
- Integration of new technologies to accommodate diverse learning styles
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Cross-sector/multidisciplinary collaborations that prepare students to address contemporary global challenges

Recent Projects & Affiliations
- Founder and Senior Researcher: Responsible Innovation Hub (ReIn)
- Principal Investigator: Research Culture and Podcasting
- Senior Researcher: Creative Fuse North East
- Senior Researcher: COST Action Multi-disciplinary innovation for social change
- Member: Responsible Design Innovation
- Member: nDESIS (Design for Social Innovation towards Sustainability)
- Member: Gendered Violence and Abuse IDRT
- Member: Design Feminisms Research Group
- Member: CITE Co-Enquiry & Innovation with Creative Methods

Professional Engagement
- Helen is a Freelance consultant
- Helen holds multiple voluntary/Trustee positions with local third-sector organisations

Keywords
#Design #Communities #SocialInnovation #Relationality #Sustainability #Creativity #ParticipatoryResearch #SocialJustice #Place-based