Helen was educated at the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham. Widely published in the field of post-war American history, Professor Laville’s research interests span gender, international relations, civil rights and Cold War film. She served as the Head of Postgraduate Studies and Head of Department at the University of Birmingham, before taking on the role of Head of the School of English, Drama and American and Canadian Studies in 2013. In 2016 Helen moved to Manchester Metropolitan University to become the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education. In April 2021 Helen took on the role of Provost at Kingston University. The role of Provost is a newly created position that will see Helen provide a single point of leadership for all academic endeavour at the institution. As Kingston University Provost, Professor Laville will take on a particularly important portfolio encompassing learning and teaching, research and innovation, and business partnership and engagement activities. Helen is also Is chair of the trustees of I-Am Celebrating Autism in Greater Manchester.