Q&A with Professor Sandy Oliver

What is the focus of your research?

My interests focus on the interaction between researchers and people making decisions in their professional and personal lives.

With this in mind I have developed methods to collate knowledge from whole bodies of research – systematic reviews – not just single studies, and to involve policy makers, practitioners and people using public services in decisions about what research should be done, and how.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I pioneered patient and public involvement in research in the 1980's and 1990's, particularly in the NHS Health Technology Assessment Programme and in producing evidence for policy decisions that is both rigorous and relevant to people delivering and receiving public services.

Five years ago I co-founded an international academic journal, Research for All, where authors share ideas about individuals and communities who initiate research and advise, challenge or collaborate with researchers.

What attracted you to join IOE?

I was attracted by the work of Professor Ann Oakley, world-leading sociologist, with her focus on women’s lives and evidence for policy decisions.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

By relying on the contract research system, I have been able to develop a new stream of work focused on public involvement in research and policy, both in the UK and the global south.

What's the most important thing you've learned from your students about the subject you teach?

The opportunities for early career researchers to work for state leaders in Latin America.

What other area of research interests you outside of your main subject area?

Transdisciplinary research – how mixed teams work together to do research.

Professor Sandy Oliver's IRIS research profile

Courses and teaching

• Dissertation supervisor for the Social Policy and Social Research MSc.

Last updated 5 May 2022.