Diana Stirbu

Diana Stirbu is Professor of Public Policy and Governance at the School of Social Sciences and Professions, London Metropolitan University. She leads research on Social Integration and Regeneration and co-convenes the PSA (Political Studies Association) Parliaments specialist group. She is a member of the Expert Panel supporting the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales and affiliated with the Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre.

Her research interests include:

• Territorial politics and governance, with a focus on devolution and constitutional design
• Public engagement and participatory governance in local and parliamentary contexts
• Gender representation and institutional innovation in political institutions
• Parliamentary governance and strategic leadership
• Social integration, community resilience, and urban governance

Her recent publications reflect a strong focus on public engagement, particularly within the Welsh Parliament (Senedd), and the effectiveness of parliamentary committees. She explores themes of co-production, value creation in municipal services, and institutional change in devolved governments. Her work bridges academic research and policy impact, emphasizing democratic legitimacy and inclusive governance.

Scientific awards and recognitions include:

• British Federation for Women Graduates - Ellen Wynne Vanstone Scholarship (2008)
• Duncan Norman Scholarship (£60,000) for PhD studies (2005–2008)

Diana Stirbu has led and co-led multiple research projects and secured significant grant funding, including from the Greater London Authority (GLA), National Housing Federation, and London Metropolitan University. She has served as an Academic Fellow at the Welsh Parliament (2020–2021), where she researched committee effectiveness. She has also acted as an Independent Trustee for the Centre for Public Scrutiny and provided expert advice to various parliamentary committees. Her advisory work supports public engagement and strategic governance in representative institutions.

She leads the Connected Communities programme and the Social Integration and Regeneration Learning Network, focusing on inclusive recovery and community resilience in London. Her work often involves collaboration with external organizations such as Snook, NEF Consulting, and the Wales Governance Centre.