Rachael Barnwell is Impact Fellow at the Courtauld, supporting researchers to develop, evidence and communicate the impact of their research, including in preparation for REF 2029. She joined the Courtauld in 2026 after eight years at Durham University where she was Senior Impact and Engagement Manager, working with researchers and partners across the arts, humanities and cultural sectors to develop the University’s REF impact portfolio and strengthen research impact. Rachael will temporarily act as Research Officer until the end of November 2026.
Alongside her role at the Courtauld, Rachael is Higher Education Partnerships Lead at Opera North, working on its long-standing DARE partnership with the University of Leeds, and undertakes independent consultancy across the arts, culture, heritage and higher education sectors.
Rachael holds an MA with Distinction in Interpretation, Representation and Heritage from the University of Leicester and a degree in English Literature and Archaeology from the University of Wales.
