Ruth manages research impact for one of the four research themes (Prosperity and Resilience) at the University of Reading. This involves working closely with researchers in the Institute of Education, Henley Business School, the School of Law, the Global Development Research Division and the Departments of Politics and International Relations, and Economics. Although working primarily with social scientists, Ruth’s research background is in soils science and plant physiology, and she often works across the other three research themes at Reading (Agriculture, Food & Health; Environment and Heritage and Creativity). Before joining the University of Reading, Ruth worked for a number of years in Defra within the Chief Scientists Group (commissioning research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies), moving on to managing the SEAC Secretariat (Spongiform Encephalopathies Advisory Committee), and then into policy lead roles on sustainable food and adaptation to climate change.