Sexual, Reproductive and Family Health Research Group
Our research group specialises in reproductive and sexual health (male and female), including research into HIV and contraception, and incorporating marginalised and stigmatised communities and populations.
Reproductive, sexual and family health are at the heart of a healthy society. The elimination of health inequalities, including those experienced by sexual minorities, and with other protected characteristics, are a major focus of efforts to improve health and care provision, and part of the drive for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Women throughout their life course contribute to the health and well-being of the family. Women’s health and wellbeing is in turn reliant upon gender equality in society and good provision of sexual and reproductive health care is essential. This includes the ability to choose when and whether to have children. Men also require good sexual health care and they need to be included in the planning of good reproductive health.
Midwifery and maternity services are at the front line in terms of understanding and addressing intersectional needs of mothers and fathers and research is needed to address and drive improvements in practice and education. This will be a priority, using methods that incorporate education and engagement across the professional groups and with service users.
Women’s health and well-being are enshrined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reported globally, including SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, and SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. There are also national drivers and goals, such as the Women’s Health Strategy, that our research will align to, particularly for better contraceptive and reproductive health provision throughout the life course.
Current work
- Completing applications for external funding (NIHR, UKRI).
- Undertaking PhD/doctoral recruitment and development, including studentships.
- Formulating strategy and vision for Regional Midwifery Research Group.
- Feeding into sustainable Workforce Planning in the East of England.
- Presentations and conference activity.
- Mapping out Research Excellence Framework (REF) submissions and potential Impact Case Studies.
- Facilitating student internships.
- Developing international partnerships, including with healthcare professionals in Sri Lanka.
