Jane joined Hull York Medical School in August 2024 as an Embedded Researcher working within the NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration North Yorkshire. This is a collaboration between the University of Hull, North Yorkshire Council and the University of York which aims to build the capability and capacity of the Council and the two Universities to conduct and use research to improve health and wellbeing.Jane has a keen interest in ensuring research makes 'real world' impact and this role gives her the opportunity to carry out research alongside partners in the Local Authority and support them to develop their research skills.
Jane previously held the role Senior Research Fellow at the University of Lincoln where her research focussed on rural and regional economic development, primarily around inequalities in rural areas. She is experienced in initiating and conducting both qualitative and quantitative research at a local, regional and European level. Following a postgraduate career at the University of Cambridge she also previously worked in research within local government.
Jane's research is primarily focussed on inequalities between rural and urban economies and communities. Her previous research has included:
Working from Rural Pubs: Conducted research with pub managers and support organisations to examine the potential for rural pubs to improve their resilience by offering workspace opportunities for remote workers (National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise).
Connecting Remote Areas with digital infrastructure and services (CORA): Worked with local authorities and businesses across the North Sea Region to develop resources aimed at improving the adoption of digital technology by rural SMEs. Key areas of research included setting up rural digital hubs and analysing digital skills needs within municipalities. (European Region Interreg).
OnLincolnshire Knowledge Base: Development of 12 knowledge transfer collaborations between academics and rural businesses to improve their use of broadband technology (ERDF).
Evaluation of Rural Health Care Action Projects: Evaluated a range of projects, including strategies for the recruitment and retention of health professionals and enhancing the advanced first aid skills of pharmacists, to examine how these could improve the delivery of health services in rural Lincolnshire (National Centre for Rural Health).
Jane has also led and been involved in a number of additional research projects working with Local Authorities, SMEs, charities and health organisations.