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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Terms & conditions

Research & Analysis

I provide rigorous qualitative and quantitative research support for organisations working on complex social and environmental issues.

Services include:

Research design and methods

Development evidence reviews and synthesis

Policy briefs, reports, and insight papers

Interdisciplinary research bridging science, policy, and social justice

Community Engagement & Co‑Design

I design and facilitate inclusive engagement processes that support meaningful participation and shared decision-making.

Community Engagement & Co‑Design

I design and facilitate inclusive engagement processes that support meaningful participation and shared decision-making.

Services include:

Youth and grassroots engagement:

Stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies

Workshop, roundtable, and consultation facilitation

Co-design with communities, practitioners, and policymakers

Stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies

Workshop, roundtable, and consultation facilitation

Co-design with communities, practitioners, and policymakers

Youth and grassroots engagement

Who I Work With

Charities and NGOs

Think tanks and policy institutes

Universities and research centres

Public sector and advisory bodies

Community organisations and networks

Contact

If you’re interested in working together or commissioning consultancy support, I’d love to hear from you.

Email: symiahb@klbarnett.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/symiah-barnett-01bb67134