Natalie Lai
www.nesta.org.uk/team/natalie-lai/
www.nesta.org.uk/team/natalie-lai/
Senior Analyst, Discovery Hub
Natalie is a senior analyst in Nesta’s Discovery Hub.
She utilises a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative research methods with data sciences, to conduct horizon scanning and future scenario building. Her focus lies in uncovering promising innovations and technologies, such as AI in EdTech, investigating and influencing policy changes to facilitate their effective implementation for significant social impact.
Before Nesta, Natalie led quantitative research projects at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). She delved into AI and education, the economic security of young people and place-based regenerative futures of UK Core Cities.
Throughout her career, Natalie has cultivated a deep interest and commitment to upholding education equity and quality. She served as a social and education researcher in academia and pursued doctoral studies in Sociology of Education. She completed a Master's in Data Science and a PGDE in History while serving as a secondary school teacher. She also holds a degree in social sciences with double majors in sociology and psychology.
In her spare time, Natalie is torn between advancing the education of the UK’s diaspora community and keeping her cats happy.
