Who We Are
Dr. Callum Etches
Dr. Callum Etches is Founder and Principal Consultant at Nested Insights. His work sits at the intersection of impact evaluation, systems approaches, and participatory research, supporting organisations to make sense of complex challenges and demonstrate meaningful change.
He holds a PhD in Science and Technology Policy from the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex, where his research focused on place-based food system governance and collaborative action. Alongside his consultancy work, Callum is also a Research Fellow in the Department of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Sussex, contributing to research on food system resilience and the application of causal and participatory systems methods.
Callum’s background spans both academic research and real-world programme delivery. Over the last 10 years, he has led impact and evaluation work across national programmes and multi-stakeholder partnerships. This dual perspective shapes his approach, combining analytical rigour with a strong focus on what is practical and useful in real decision-making contexts.
Dr. Pablo Ayala-Villalobos
Dr. Pablo Ayala Villalobos is a Senior Associate Consultant at Nested Insights. His work focuses on policy impact, mixed-methods approaches, and inclusive design, supporting organisations to understand how change happens in complex and politically contested environments, and to generate evidence that is both analytically sound and practically relevant.
He holds a PhD in Science and Technology Policy from the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex, where his research examined inclusive innovation process. He also holds an MSc in Development Studies from Lund University, Sweden, with a focus on participatory decision-making and knowledge governance. Alongside his consultancy work, Pablo is a Research Fellow at SPRU, contributing to research on policies for just food transitions and accelerating green energy transitions.
Pablo's background spans academic research, grassroots community work, programme evaluation, and policy-facing roles across the UK, Mexico, and internationally. He has contributed to evaluation and research work at institutions including the University of Sussex, the Institute of Development Studies, and the Stockholm Environment Institute. His approach combines rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods with deep engagement with the social and political dimensions of policy change.
