Danielle Walker Palmour appointed Honorary Professor of Practice at UCL Policy Lab

For many years, Danielle Walker Palmour has played a vital role in generating new energy for creative and inclusive approaches to the study of economics and the translation of economic thinking into new policy ideas. Her widely respected leadership has brought together scholars, think tank researchers, practitioners, philanthropists, advocates and the broader community in support of a fairer and more sustainable economic system, one that truly serves society. 

Ahead of the announcement, Walker Palmour said that she was “Hugely honoured to be appointed a Visiting Professor of Practice at UCL.”  As a supporter of “academic research as well as practical projects to bring about social change, I have seen the impact of public policy on people’s lives and in shaping how we see the world.” 

Walker Palmour also spoke about the important role she believes UCL can play in helping shape policy and her own role as an Hon Professor of Practice in helping make that happen. “A central goal that I hope to progress with the UCL Policy Lab is increasing the influence that rigorous evidence has on the design of policy and its outcomes. I also hope we can boost the capacity of policy-makers to take informed decisions. I look forward to working with colleagues at UCL to make these goals a reality.”

Marc Stears, Director of the UCL Policy Lab, spoke of his own personal excitement at Walker Palmour joining the Lab team of Honorary Professors, which already includes Torsten Bell and Chris Giles. “I have been privileged to see Danielle Walker Palmour help reshape approaches to economics across the world. I am delighted she is able now to make her own vital contribution to the UCL community.”

Before her current position as the founding Director of the Friends Provident Foundation, Walker Palmour held many senior policy and research roles throughout the non-governmental sector, including the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Law Society of England and Wales. She has served as in an advisory role as a member of the Treasury’s Financial Inclusion Taskforce, the Civil Society Advisory Body of the Cabinet Office and the Financial Services Authority Financial Capability Steering Group.

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