Dr Jo Foster

Director, Institute for Research in Schools

Dr Jo Foster is a champion of outstanding STEM education for all young people, regardless of their starting point. An engaging and thought-provoking speaker, she brings expert insight into how education can better prepare students for a rapidly changing, innovation-driven world. 

As Director of the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS), Jo leads its mission to transform the culture of UK education so that every young person experiences real research. With over 20 years’ experience in primary and secondary education, Jo designed and led a specialist STEM programme for secondary students recognised as ‘a real strength’ by Ofsted. Her leadership led to appointments on the Royal Society’s Education Committee and the Science Museum Group Board of Trustees. She currently convenes the STEM Collaboration Group, bringing together sector leaders to advocate for systemic change. 

Jo is an accomplished and highly experienced speaker. She has featured on the BBC and ITV, briefed policymakers in Westminster and delivered keynote addresses at national conferences. She readily adapts herself to different audiences, whether young people, academics or politicians, and has been both an engaging panellist and effective facilitator. She has spoken alongside Prof Brian Cox and recently chaired a panel session with Prof Louise Archer (UCL Institute of Education) and Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon (Stemettes) at the Association for Science Education’s annual conference. 

To discuss interviews or other speaking opportunities for Jo, please contact IRIS’ communications team. We’d love to hear about your events, audiences and goals. We are particularly keen to work with partners across education, industry and policy who share our ambition to change the culture of UK education and inspire the next generation of researchers and innovators.