Dr. Charlie Ingram | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Charlie Ingram | Social Sciences – Coventry University, United Kingdom
Dr. Charlie Ingram is an accomplished researcher and academic with a PhD in Practice Research from Coventry University, specializing in Monitoring & Evaluation practices. Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Coventry University, he explores innovative evaluation practices in interdisciplinary contexts. With a rich background in performance arts and cultural policy, Dr. Ingram combines these domains to shape new approaches to social impact evaluation. He has garnered recognition for his innovative use of headphone verbatim theatre and its role in evaluating civic pride, a hallmark of his research in cultural studies and policymaking.
Profile:
Orcid | Scopus | Google Scholar
Education:
Dr. Ingram’s academic journey began with a BA (Hons) in Drama from Manchester Metropolitan University, where he earned First Class Honours. He further honed his research skills with an MRes in Directing & Dramaturgy from University of Birmingham, where his thesis focused on ethics in verbatim theatre. His path culminated in a PhD from Coventry University, where his thesis centered on UK City of Culture 2021 through a Headphone Verbatim lens, studying the intersection of cultural policy, sociology, and civic pride. These educational milestones laid a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to both research and teaching.
Experience:
Dr. Ingram’s career spans both academic and industry roles. He has served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Coventry University Centre for Dance Research, where he leads research on experimental monitoring and evaluation practices. In this role, he critiques traditional evaluation methods and explores new, innovative approaches within multi-disciplinary environments. Previously, Dr. Ingram contributed to several high-impact projects as a Research Assistant, collaborating with various stakeholders, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to international research dissemination.
His industry experience includes his role as a Consultant Monitoring & Evaluation Lead at Catalyst Processes Ltd, where he designed comprehensive evaluation strategies for programs across diverse sectors. This blend of academic research and practical consultancy provides him with a unique perspective that informs his teaching and research, further solidifying his standing in the field.
Research Interests:
Dr. Ingram’s research interests are rooted in the intersections of policymaking, evaluation practices, and performance arts. Specifically, he focuses on innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies, particularly the use of arts-based methodologies like verbatim theatre. His work on smart energy systems, youth perspectives, and cultural policy evaluation reflects a commitment to applying social research methods in areas that directly impact communities. His teaching interests are similarly interdisciplinary, focusing on developing new approaches to creative evaluation in the social sciences.
Awards:
Dr. Ingram’s career has been marked by recognition for both his academic and professional achievements. Notably, he holds the SEDA Recognised Supervisor status and is an Associate Fellow of Advance HE, acknowledging his excellence in teaching and supervision. In 2021, Dr. Ingram’s innovative work in monitoring and evaluation earned him a nomination for the Best Researcher Award. This nomination acknowledges his groundbreaking work in combining artistic practices with social research, influencing cultural policy and community-based projects.
Publications:
Dr. Ingram has authored multiple publications that contribute significantly to arts-based evaluation methods and interdisciplinary research. Some of his key publications include:
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“Theatre arts in UK City of Culture evaluation practices: the case for headphone verbatim” (2023) – Published in Arts & The Market Vol. 13(3) 🎭
Cited by: “Arts-based approaches to evaluation in urban settings” -
“Arts-based approaches to evaluating impact: A case study of youth perspectives towards Smart Local Energy Systems” (2024) – Theatre and Performance Studies Journal (Awaiting Peer Review)
Cited by: “Impact assessment in energy systems” -
“Why aren’t we teaching this? Smart Local Energy Systems, Ethics, AI, and the Young Person’s Perspective” (2024) – Curriculum Journal (Awaiting Peer Review)
Cited by: “Ethical implications of AI in education” -
“Cyber-physical Advances in SLES: Resource pack for school workshop participants” (2022) – Published by EnergyREV
Cited by: “Resource development for energy education” -
“Innovatory Methods in Policymaking: Introducing the Use of Verbatim Theatre” (2021) – Published by Coventry University
Cited by: “Innovations in policymaking and cultural policy” -
“Performing Arts Advocacy Alliance Project: Consultation Survey Responses Report” (2020) – Published by Coventry University
Cited by: “Evaluating performing arts advocacy”
Conclusion:
Dr. Charlie Ingram is a dynamic and innovative researcher whose contributions to monitoring and evaluation practices have had significant societal impact. His work bridges the worlds of theatre, policy, and community-based research, positioning him as a thought leader in the integration of artistic practices with social research. With a proven track record of interdisciplinary research, recognition from peers and institutions, and a growing publication record, Dr. Ingram is an ideal nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to combine theory and practice in social impact research ensures that his work will continue to shape the fields of cultural policy and evaluation practices for years to come.