Louise Kempton is Professor for Urban and Regional Policy at the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (CURDS), Newcastle University, UK. She has over 30 years’ experience as a researcher, policy maker and practitioner in local, regional and international economic development. Her current research is focused on the evolving understanding of the role of universities as ‘anchor’ institutions in local/regional economic growth and innovation, and the effects of place in shaping this role. She is also interested in the process of building local collaborative leadership to develop innovative solutions to meeting local policy challenges and opportunities. Louise has previously served as Associate Dean for Research and Innovation in Newcastle University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (2019-2023). She is currently the CURDS Director-designate, taking over the role in February 2025.