A researcher from Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) has been appointed to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) College of Experts.

LUMS’ Dr Carolyn Downs, an expert in problem gambling, joins a team of 58 experts from academia and industry to form a diverse and experienced community of experts who will be called on to provide external expertise and apply innovative scientific methods to support government policy.

Dr Downs has dedicated much of her academic career to researching gambling in the UK, and now her expertise will contribute to helping DCMS tackle complex challenges across their policy areas.

Dr Carolyn Downs said: “Academic research isn’t designed to sit in academic journals. We research real-world problems in order to help inform real-world solutions - so being invited to join the DCMS College of Experts is a huge honour, and I hope my expertise can make a valuable contribution to future policy and society.

“I look forward to collaborating with such a diverse set of members and DCMS colleagues who all hope to support evidence-based policymaking and help Government bring about impactful solutions.”

Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Tom Crick 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.”

You can read more about the DCMS College of Experts here: www.gov.uk/government/groups/dcms-college-of-experts

To find out more about studying at Lancaster University Management School, visit: www.lancaster.ac.uk/lums