Ruth is an applied qualitative researcher with a social science background (applied social research and anthropology) and more than 20 years experience of undertaking practice and policy-relevant research and evaluation.

Her interests include:

• experiences of ill-health, health care/services, and involvement in clinical trials;
• decision-making about self-care, help-seeking, treatment, and trial participation;
• education and support for health-related decision-making and behaviour change.

Ruth has conducted work relevant to a range of health conditions and clinical areas including (but not limited to) diabetes, cancer, and inflammatory arthritis.

Ruth joined the University of Edinburgh (Usher Institute) in 2017 and is currently a member of EQual (the Edinburgh Qualitative Health Research Group) and CPHS (the Centre for Population Health Sciences). Previously, she worked at the universities of York and Newcastle, as well as in the third and private sectors.

• PhD (by Research Publications) University of Edinburgh
• MA (Applied Social Research) University of Manchester
• PGCE (Post-compulsory) University of London
• BA (Archaeology and Anthroplogy) University of Oxford