Eddie Barnes – Centre Director
Eddie leads and oversees the Centre, and is responsible for all aspects of strategic development. He is leading on shaping the future direction of the Centre, encompassing all its activities and programmes.
Eddie brings extensive knowledge and expertise to his role, having served as Director of the think tank Our Scottish Future and as Head of Strategy and Communications to Ruth Davidson MSP prior to joining the Centre.
Dr Joe Greenwood-Hau – Lecturer
Joe works on the Centre’s annual UK Youth Poll, and delivers the associated honours course in the College of Social Science at the University of Glasgow. He works with students to give them practical experience of designing, managing, and publicising a major annual poll that promotes the voices of young people and contributes to the UK’s political discourse. His role at the centre builds on his experience of researching political (non-)participation, working in the UK polling industry, and teaching courses on political behaviour, survey methods, and statistical analysis.
Dr Elisabeth Loose – Research & Engagement Manager
Elli leads the Centre’s communications strategy and research portfolio, ensuring its work is visible, impactful, and aligned with its mission. She curates and promotes research on politics and public service, manages the Centre’s digital presence, and builds strategic relationships across the UK. Elli also supports the delivery of key programmes and events, contributing to the Centre’s commitment to tackling systemic inequalities.
In her personal work, Elli is a board member for the Scottish Women’s Budget Group and avid reader.
Lauren White – Centre Development Manager
Lauren manages the day-to-day operations of the Centre and our various development programmes for young people, contributing to the Centre’s drive to ensure all young people have the same opportunity to serve, particularly those from under-represented groups. As part of this, Lauren is leading on the new John Smith Centre schools programme, launching in the 2025/26 session.
Lauren also works closely with the Centre Director to secure project funding for the Centre’s suite of programmes and events.
Rebecca Rae – Project Admin Assistant
Rebecca provides administrative support to the Director, Centre Development Manager, and John Smith Centre staff across all of the Centre’s activities, as well as supporting the delivery of the Centre’s development programmes, events, and communications.
Rebecca is based in the College of Social Sciences Research Office’s Admin Hub team and has supported several projects and centres across the College, including the UNESCO Chair on Refugee Integration through Education, Language, and Arts (RIELA) in the School of Education and AHRC- and British Academy-funded projects in the School of Social and Political Sciences.