Dr Al Mathers

Al is a Founder and Co-Director of Wild Fig Research. With over 20 years' experience across academia, the charitable sector and practice, she helps organisations define their strategic approach to change, build research and evaluation capability, and embed inclusive, participatory ways of working with communities.

Before moving into the charity sector, Al worked in academia, focusing on research partnerships with under-represented groups and redesigning participatory approaches to landscape architecture and urban design. She has led research teams for more than 15 years, taking a strategic approach to participatory practice to create lasting local and national impact.

Al is a Non-Executive Director at The Really Regenerative Centre and has held national leadership roles in the charitable sector for over a decade, including Director of Research at The Young Foundation, Director of Research and Learning at The RSA, and Head of Research at Good Things Foundation. An expert in participatory research and the built environment, she is the Urban Institute's Visiting Practice Fellow and holds advisory board roles including with INCLUDE+ and the Co-Production Futures Inquiry. She is committed to cross-sector impact, growing cultures of learning and collaboration between policymakers, academia, business and charities for people, places and the planet.

Al is passionate about Wild Fig Research's place-based focus, and working with organisations who share our participatory research values and commitment to supporting community-led change.

Al lives in Sheffield, and loves being out in nature with her family exploring the nearby Peak District.