Dr Jenny Russell is the Director of Education and Learning at the Royal Institute of British Architects where she acts as an advocate, both nationally and internationally, for excellence in standards of architectural education and student experience. She is a passionate advocate for architectural education and the wellbeing of all those involved in the sector. Jenny leads the RIBA Education department in the delivery of the renowned President's Medals, a variety of scholarships and bursaries, the RIBA's own suite of qualifications and the nationally and internationally sought and respected RIBA Validation Programme. In addition, she works particularly closely with the UNESCO-UIA to manage and deliver their own international validation system. Recently, Jenny has been appointed as a judge of the Global Design Graduate Showcase 2022.
Jenny has worked in Higher Education since 2002, gaining her doctorate in 2006 investigating the spatial perceptions of young children in educational buildings. Joining the Belfast School of Architecture in its infancy, Jenny was involved in the successful development and growth of the School, being appointed as the Associate Head of School in 2013. She is an experienced External Examiner, examining at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, up to, and including, PhD at institutions both in the UK and worldwide. Recently Jenny has authored two digital guides: Study Architecture Well and Practise Architecture Well, for students and early career professionals covering issues regarding student mental wellbeing