Biography
James Cantwell is a communications, change and engagement professional with experience in education, health and research.
James has a passion for developing patient, public and student partnership in research, transformation and lifelong learning. Alongside his role at the University of Cambridge, he is studying a part-time Msc in Systems Thinking in Practice at The Open University, and is a National Committee Member of the RAISE Network (Researching, Advancing, Inspiring Student Engagement).
In a previous role as a Project Manager (Developing young talent and skills) at the University of Southampton, James delivered a Young Researcher Training Programme and Citizens Jury, connecting young people's health priorities with policy makers and NHS stakeholders. Prior to this, he worked as a Communications Manager at The Open University (Institute of Educational Technology) and held roles at BBC News and Sky News.
In a research capacity, James has explored inclusion, decolonisation and mental health within student-staff research partnerships. In 2023 James held a Student Researcher role on a project funded by the OU, auditing inclusion initiatives in UK HEIs. During 2017-2022, James held a Research Assistant role on a project at the University of Hertfordshire, exploring mental health awareness among students and staff.
In 2017, James graduated from University of Hertfordshire with a BA Hons in English Language and Communication with Media Cultures. In 2016, during an Erasmus exchange, James completed an advanced journalism specification (named Europe in the World) from the Dutch School of Journalism (Hogeschool Utrecht University of Applied Science) and Danish School of Journalism (DMJX), graduating with a BA Hons HE Diploma in International Journalism and European Reporting.
Research
Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE), student partnership in research, student voice, inclusion, decolonisation
Publications
Payne, H., Cantwell, J., & Bristow, R. (2023). A student-staff partnership conducting research in higher education: An analysis of student and staff reflections. International Journal for Students as Partners, 7(1), 96–109. https://doi.org/10.15173/ijsap.v7i1.5122
Other Professional Activities
James is a National Committee Member within the RAISE Network (Researching, Advancing, Inspiring Student Engagement), coordinating the RAISE Buddy Scheme [https://www.raise-network.com/buddy-scheme]
