Elektra Lapavitsas
Lead Research Consultant
London Office
Making lived experience central to meaningful change.
What I do
Hi, I’m Elektra. I lead research and evaluation projects across education, youth and community services. I specialise in creating safe, inclusive ways for people with lived experience, including children and young people, to shape research and influence the decisions that affect them.
My work combines mixed-methods evaluation with participatory and safeguarding-aware approaches, helping clients understand how programmes are delivered, what difference they make and how they can improve. Drawing on six years as a primary school teacher, I understand how policies and programmes land in practice and how to turn people’s experiences and complex evidence into clear, practical learning.
MY STORY
Before joining Rocket Science, I spent six years as a qualified primary school teacher. Working closely with children, families and school communities gave me a practical understanding of how schools operate, the pressures people face and the importance of listening carefully to those most affected by decisions. It also shaped my commitment to accessible, proportionate research that treats participation as more than consultation.
Since moving into research and evaluation, I have worked with children, young people and adults with lived experience across projects exploring poverty, mental health, youth voice, violence reduction and community support.
Areas of Expertise
Approaches I use
OUTSIDE OF WORK
I am usually eating olives, preferably in the park, with my sister, or intensely debating which spice is best for roast chicken. I’m also a habitual re-watcher of favourite films and TV shows – Legally Blonde is guaranteed a watch once a year.
