Laura Dance is Director of Corporate Services at British Antarctic Survey, with joint leadership responsibility for an organisational mission to deliver multidisciplinary research in the polar regions.

In an extensive career in public service – spanning the UK central government departments, the UK Parliament, and the wider public sector, and including roles on the UK Marine Programme, and attached to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – Laura has developed particular expertise in: the sound stewardship of resources in publicly funded organisations; influencing the formation of public policy; and communications, engagement and public impact.

From 2017-2023 she served as a Member of Council for the Association for Latin Liturgy, steering a programme of research, publication and education on Latin liturgical music. Since 2024, she has served on the Rhwyfo Cymru Welsh Rowing Umpiring Committee, and is a licensed British Rowing umpire, officiating at coastal and river events across the UK.

Laura’s career has been bookended by roles in research organisations, from an early career role as a young researcher at the British Museum, to a position as a director at British Antarctic Survey, and these have been her most engaging and inspiring working environments