Symiah Barnett, Ph.D

Independent Consultant

Research, Policy & Community Engagement

I hold a PhD in Chemistry and have worked across academia, policy, civil society, and community-led research. My background includes roles as a Research Associate, Research Fellow, and parliamentary research contributor, alongside extensive experience organising events, facilitating workshops, and supporting interdisciplinary projects.

I bring together technical expertise, strategic thinking, and facilitation skills, allowing me to work comfortably across disciplines and sectors. I am particularly committed to ethical, collaborative approaches that value lived experience alongside academic and policy knowledge.

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Previous Projects

Black Hair & Chemistry

Client : University of Reading

Focus: public health, community identity, and chemical exposure considerations.

Hair-care practices are deeply linked with culture and identity, yet some popular treatments have associated health risks. This project brought together scientific expertise, community insights, and public engagement to explore this space in depth.

Outputs:
🎙 BBC Berkshire interview
📰 Daily Mail feature on public health angles
🏛 University of Reading news story

Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST)

Client: UK Parliament (POST)
Focus: Science-for-policy, agriculture, environment, food systems

POST provides independent, impartial scientific advice to MPs and Peers. I undertook a 3‑month secondment from my PhD as a Research Fellow at POST, contributing directly to parliamentary evidence on agriculture and sustainability.

Outputs:
📰Policy Brief
📰 Participated in a Parliament & Industry Trust breakfast, discussing regenerative agriculture with MPs, Lords, and senior food‑industry stakeholderss

High Street Heritage Action Zone

Client: Reading Borough Council
Focus: Local heritage, community history, content strategy

Commissioned by Reading Borough Council as part of Untold Ltd to explore the cultural and historical significance of Oxford Road, a key artery in Reading with rich community history and heritage value.

Outputs:

A docuseries showcased at private viewing

A podcast archived and showcased as part of Reading Museum’s Oxford Road Chronicles online exhibition

Symiah Barnett, Ph.D

Reading , United Kingdom

Contact

07359380204

symiahb@klbarnett.co.uk

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Symiah Barnett, Ph.D

Independent Consultant | Research, Policy & Community Engagement.

I am an independent consultant working across environmental justice, research, policy, and community engagement. I support charities, think tanks, universities, and public bodies to design evidence-based projects, centre lived experience, and translate research into real-world impact.My work sits at the intersection of science, society, and justice, with a strong focus on environmental harm, inequality, wellbeing, and inclusive research practices.