ESRC Deputy Director of Talent, Skills and Methods
Dr Frances Morton is Deputy Director of Talent, Skills and Methods at the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
Frances leads ESRC’s strategic development in investment and policies in the area of researcher skills development and methodological development and innovation. This includes the new deal for postgraduate researchers and work to strengthen leadership capacity and ESRC’s engagement with possible Horizon Europe alternative schemes in relation to talent.
Frances also leads on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and positioning ESRC to play a leading role in championing EDI within the social sciences.
Her role involves strategic engagement and collaboration with the academic community and partners with an interest in skills, including the British Academy and the Academy of Social Sciences.
Prior to joining ESRC, Frances was Head of Workforce EDI for UK Research and Innovation, and has held roles in EDI and higher education and research policy development at the Open University and QAA Scotland. She has a wealth of experience of working in partnership with government departments and sector bodies.
Frances’ academic background is in the social sciences. She gained a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Geography from the University of Bristol, and a Master of Research and BA (Hons), also in Human Geography, from the University of Strathclyde.
She has undertaken lecturing and research in the social sciences at various universities and has received ESRC funding awards in these areas.
Last updated: 4 September 2023