Siân Summerton

I am the Programme Lead for Business Connect’s Global Expert Missions, an initiative that Innovate UK Business Connect has delivered on behalf of Innovate UK since 2017.

The Global Expert Missions are one of the most important tools to support the UK government’s ambition for the UK to be the international partner of choice for science and innovation. The Missions build strategic partnerships, provide deep insight into opportunities for UK innovation and shape future bilateral innovation programmes. To date, the resulting bilateral initiatives of the Global Expert Missions are valued at over £65m.

Previously I worked as an International Policy Manager at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) where I was the National Contact Point for two Horizon 2020 work programmes and led the first joint call between UKRI and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. I have also worked in regional policy at both the West of England Combined Authority in Bristol and the Assembly of the European Regions in Strasbourg.

My academic studies include a Master of Arts in French, Spanish & European Studies from the University of Edinburgh and an MSc in Poverty Reduction: Policy & Practice at SOAS University of London.