Vivienne Francis

Biography

Dr Vivienne Francis is Head of Research at UAL’s AKO Storytelling Institute.

Her interests centre on how journalism can advance social justice and help amplify marginalised voices. She founded the award-winning Refugee Journalism Project, which supports exiled media professionals to rebuild their careers in the UK. Its alumni have gone on to senior roles in broadcasting, published books and produced BAFTA-winning documentaries. The project has also generated commissioned research, podcasts and academic papers, and built collaborations with civil society, media platforms, HEIs and international agencies, including UNHCR, Bloomberg and the Council of Europe.

Vivienne previously served as Director at One World Media, a global media development charity with a network of journalists, filmmakers, content creators and media organisations spanning more than 100 countries, bringing underreported stories to light.

She currently combines her work at the Institute with a role as Senior Lecturer and Reader in Knowledge Exchange at London College of Communication. Vivienne holds a Doctorate in Professional Studies by Public Works and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.