Faculty professor appointed to prestigious Department for Culture, Media and Sport College of Experts

The College of Experts provides scientific and technical advice across the full breadth of DCMS’s policy areas

Professor Beth Johnson, from the School of Media and Communication, has been appointed to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) College of Experts – an influential body that brings academic and industry insight to the heart of UK cultural policymaking.

Professor Johnson joins a highly respected network of 58 external experts, selected to provide scientific and technical advice across the full breadth of DCMS’s policy areas.

This prestigious appointment recognises Professor Johnson’s outstanding academic expertise and her commitment to advancing evidence-led approaches in the media and cultural sectors.

Established in 2021, the DCMS College of Experts is managed by the department’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Tom Crick MBE, and plays a vital role in shaping policy that is robust, innovative and informed by the highest quality research. Members may be called upon dynamically to contribute to policy development through working groups, roundtables, and one-to-one consultations, as well as offering longer-term insight into the department’s Areas of Research Interest.

Professor Johnson said:

“It’s an honour to be part of a group that plays such a vital role in shaping the UK’s cultural and media landscape. I’m thrilled to bring academic insight to national policymaking, and to work alongside such an inspiring community of experts dedicated to evidence-led impact.”

Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Tom Crick MBE said:

“We are delighted to welcome our new members of DCMS College of Experts. Since 2021, the College of Experts has made a significant impact on our department, ensuring that our policy design, development and implementation is grounded in the most rigorous and robust research and evidence available. Their engagement will help us continue to tackle the complex and interdisciplinary challenges across our policy areas with confidence and insight.

“We look forward to engaging with them and building on the meaningful collaboration that has shaped and informed impactful decision-making.”

Professor Johnson’s appointment reflects the University of Leeds’ growing role in shaping national research and innovation agendas, and its commitment to translating academic expertise into real-world impact.

You can find out more about the DCMS College of Experts on the UK Government website.