Abril is a strategic communications and engagement specialist with over a decade of experience working at the intersection of research, policy, and public engagement. With a transdisciplinary background spanning the social sciences, the arts, and urban planning, her academic training has fostered a deep commitment to interdisciplinary thinking and inclusive practice. She has built a career focused on translating complex research into accessible, actionable messages—supporting evidence-informed policy and enabling meaningful dialogue between academic institutions, civic organisations, and the public.
In her current role as Public Engagement and Communications Officer at WM-Net Zero, she leads public involvement and regional outreach efforts to support the West Midlands’ transition to net zero. Abril designs and delivers communications strategies that centre equity, build public trust, and connect academic and community voices to shape policy and innovation.
Previously, she held different roles at University College London, where she led institutional strategies for engagement, managed EU-funded research programmes, and developed campaigns on sustainability and behaviour change. Abril has convened multi-stakeholder platforms, facilitated participatory processes, and led communications aimed at influencing decision-makers and driving systems-level change. With a detailed understanding of the UK research and policy ecosystem, she brings a distinctive blend of analytical rigour, creative strategy, and collaborative leadership to every project she takes on.