Dr Helen Turner is a materials scientist. The majority of her career has been spent developing and managing collaborations within a university setting both between universities and between universities and industry. Helen moved to the Midlands in 2008 to manage the Midlands Energy Consortium, whilst there, Helen played a critical role in the successful proposal for the £60m Innovate UK funded Energy Research Accelerator. The Energy Research Accelerator secured £120m in co-investment and created 23 new research assets; Helen has supported the project since its inception.

In 2015 Helen took up the role of Director of Midlands Innovation; a partnership of the eight Midlands research intensive universities, which represents over 70% of the university-based R&D in the region.  In 2020, Helen became the Co-Vice Chair of the Midlands Engine Operations Board – the pan-regional growth partnership that leverages the region as a place to grow and invest on a national and international stage. In her time on the Operations Board and its Innovation and Enterprise Board Helen helped to secure the Midlands Engine Science and Innovation Audit.