Dr Rachel Hale
- haler3@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2068 7264
- Centre for Trials Research, Neuadd Meirionnydd, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS
- Available for postgraduate supervision
I am a sociologist fascinated by the societal and ethical issues around health, science and technology. I have expertise in qualitative methods and sociology/Science and Technology Studies theoretical approaches; as well as in, quantitative, mixed and systematic review methods. I have experience of teaching substantive topics and research methods at several universities, to a diverse range of students, and of undergraduate and postgraduate dissertation/professional project supervision. I am a committed academic citizen, including as an expert consultant for the World Health Organization and a member of the UK Government KEU COVID-19 Outbreak Expert Database.
I am a qualitative researcher at the Centre for Trials Research. I am currently working on the study 'Inside the Black Box- An Ethnographic Examination of Nurses' Professional Judgement in Nursing Staffing Systems in England and Wales'.
Commentary on the Coronavirus Pandemic, UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab, https://en.unesco.org/inclusivepolicylab/e-teams/inequalities-time-covid-19/documents/lessons-h1n1-pandemic
EDUCATION
October 2010-May 2016: PhD in Sociology and Public Health, University of Nottingham
Full doctoral studentship jointly funded by ESRC and MRC
Thesis Title: An Actor Network Analysis of the Healthcare Worker Influenza Immunisation Programme in Wales – 2009-11
Supervised by: Prof. Robert Dingwall and Prof. Jonathan Van Tam
Examined by: Prof. Trisha Greenhalgh and Prof. Ian Shaw
Masters in Public Health modules: Sociology of Health & Illness; Qualitative Research Methods; Epidemiology Research Methods & Basic Statistics
April 2010-September 2010: MSc Social Science Research, University of Glamorgan
Dissertation Title: A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis of the Official and Media Discourses Around the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine in the UK – 2008-10
September 2008-July 2010: PGCE (PCET) , University of Glamorgan
September 1991-July 1994: BA (Hons) Humanities (Sociology) , University of Glamorgan
November 2006-April 2010: PG Dip Social Science Research Methods, Open University
Modules – Ethnography; Discourse Analysis; Rethinking Social Policy, Introduction to Research: Basic Skills and Survey Methods
Honours and awards
EXPERT ADVISORY ROLES
Welsh Assembly Government Covid-19 Expert, 2020-present
Invited member of the UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab E-Team COVID-19: what social sciences need policymakers to know, 2020-present
Invited member of the UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab Public E-Team: ‘Inequalities in the time of COVID-19’, 2020-present
UK Government KEU COVID-19 Outbreak Expert Database member, 2020-present
Cardiff University Biobank Scientific Review Committee member, 2019-present
UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab expert, 2019-present
Independent Expert Advisory Group (IEAG) member for the World Health Organization Influenza Implementation Research Focal Point (Initiative for Vaccine Research), 2018- present
External Consultant for Tailoring Influenza Immunization Programmes (TIP FLU) for the World Health Organization (WHO), 2014-present
External Consultant for Public Health Wales healthcare worker measles immunisation research study, 2013
External Consultant for Public Health Wales cervical screening uptake amongst hard-to-reach groups research study, 2010
FUNDING AWARDS
Goethe University funding to present at workshop ‘Hope and fear for the future of human genome editing, We, new utopians – Genome editing and echoes of future life’, Frankfurt, September 2019
British Council Research Links funding for Qualitative Research in Infection Control workshop (Sao Paulo, Brazil), February 2015
Cardiff University/HEFCW Strategic Insight Programme (SIP) funding, £2500, November 2014
British Sociological Association (BSA) Early Career Researcher conference funding to present at the BSA Medical Sociology Conference, York, September 2013
King’s College London bursary to attend summer school course ‘Doing social science research in healthcare settings’, London, July 2013
University of Nottingham Science Technology and Society (STS) Priority Group travel bursary, June 2013
Full ESRC/MRC PhD studentship October 2010-September 2013
Professional memberships
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS
Association for Studies in Innovation Science and Technology (AsSIST-UK)
ELSI 2.0 Network
Cardiff Health and Social Care Improvement Research Network (CHOIR)
Cardiff University Medicine, Science and Culture (MeSC) research interest group
Cardiff University Research Centre for the Study of Knowledge Expertise Science (KES)
Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering Research (CITER)
Cardiff Materials Research Network (CMRN)
British Sociological Association (BSA), (Medical Sociology study group, Science and Technology Studies study group, Deconstructing Donation Special Interest Group, Animal/Human study group)
Infectious Disease Research Network (IDRN)
Animal Welfare Science Ethics and Law Veterinary Association (AWSELVA)
Women in Academia@USW Network
Academic positions
02/2019-12/2020: Research Associate, Cardiff University
02/2017-01/2019: Research Fellow, University of Warwick
10/2015-03/2017: Research Associate, University of the West of England
05/2013-02/2017: Research Associate, Cardiff University
09/2008-09/2010: Sociology Lecturer, University of Glamorgan
Speaking engagements
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Hale, R. and Hedgecoe, A. [Oral presentation] Hope and fear for the future of human genome editing, We, new utopians – Genome editing and echoes of future life workshop, Goethe University, Frankfurt, September 2019.
Hale, R. and Hedgecoe, A. [Oral presentation] Communicating Uncertainty in Next Generation Clinical Genetics, Conference of the UK Association for Studies of Innovation, Science and Technology, University of Manchester, Manchester, September 2019.
Hale, R. and Kent, J. [Oral presentation] Designing futures for the emerging technology of cultured red blood cells, Critical engagement vs. technophobia: The risks of emerging technologies European Sociological Association Workshop, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, October 2018.
Hale, R. and Boardman, F. [Oral presentation] An analysis of the social and ethical implications of a shift in reproductive decision-making around genetic screening from families affected by genetic conditions to the general population, British Sociological Association Medical Sociology Annual Conference, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, September 2018.
Hale, R. and Boardman, F. [Oral presentation] Moving Beyond Qualitative and Quantitative Data: A Study of Attitudes Towards Genetic Screening in the UK, Mixed Methods International Research Association Conference, University of Vienna, Vienna, August 2018.
Hale, R. and Boardman, F. [Oral presentation and poster] Social and Ethical Implications of Fragile X Screening: The Families’ Views, Fragile X Syndrome Research Workshop 2018, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, May 2018.
Hale, R. and Boardman, F. [Oral presentation] An analysis of the social and ethical implications of a shift in reproductive decision-making around genetic screening from families affected by genetic conditions to the general population, British Sociological Association Annual Conference, Northumbria University, Newcastle, April 2018.
Hale, R. and Kent, J. [Oral presentation] The future of donation: Implications of cultured red blood cells, Deconstructing Donation Conference, University of Bristol, Bristol, December 2017.
Hale, R., Kent, J. and Meacham, D. [Oral presentation] Designing futures: targeting red blood cell products, British Sociological Association conference, University of Manchester, Manchester, April 2017.
Kent, J. and Hale, R. [Invited poster] Public and patient views of cultured red blood cells (cRBCs), Interdisciplinary Research: Exploring funding opportunities and best practice with the British Academy, University Alliance-British Academy Event, Bristol, November 2016.
Hale, R. and Kent, J. [Oral presentation] Extending the gift? Donor perspectives on laboratory grown red blood cells, Deconstructing Donation Symposium, Lancaster University, June 2016, and Red Cell Special Interest Group Scientific Meeting, BBTS conference, Harrogate, September 2016.
Kent, J., Meacham, D. and Hale, R. [Oral presentation] Researching new technologies in transfusion medicine: patient and public perspectives on laboratory grown red blood cells, the Centre for Health & Clinical Research Annual Conference, University of the West of England, Bristol, March 2016.
Hale, R. [Invited to present PhD findings] An actor-network analysis of the healthcare worker influenza immunisation programme, HProImmnune Info day, Athens, July 2014.
Hale, R. [Invited presentation] An actor-network analysis of the healthcare worker influenza immunisation programme, Wales Immunisation Conference, Wrexham, May 2014.
Hale, R. [Roundtable discussion] Inserting influenza vaccines into healthcare workers in two Welsh Local Health Boards, BSA Conference, Leeds University, Leeds, April 2014.
Hale, R. [Oral presentation] Actor-network theory, sociology and bioethics in the UK healthcare worker influenza immunisation programme, Working together? STS, collaboration and (multi)disciplinarity conference, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, December 2013.
Hale, R. Dingwall R and Nguyen-Van-Tam J.S. [Full paper accepted for roundtable discussion] Linking micro and macro in the UK National Health Service healthcare worker influenza immunisation programme, American Sociological Association, New York, August 2013.
Hale, R. Dingwall R and Nguyen-Van-Tam J.S. [Oral presentation] The bioethics of healthcare worker influenza immunisation, BSA Medical Sociology Conference, University of York, September 2013.
Hale, R. [Oral presentation] Actor-Networks and Health Professionals’ Vaccination against H1N1 Pandemic Influenza, BSA Medical Sociology Conference, University of Leicester, Leicester, September 2012.
Hale, R. [Oral presentation] Health care workers and the H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine, East Midlands Universities Association Postgraduate Conference, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, July 2012.
Hale, R. [Poster] A Duty of Care: A review of studies on uptake and attitudes of healthcare workers and pandemic H1N1 vaccine, Medical Sociology Conference, University of Chester, September 2011 and Postgraduate Student Conference, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, June 2011.
STAKEHOLDER PRESENTATIONS
Hale, R. & Kent, J. [Invited presentation] An Investigation of What Diverse Patient, Donor and Public Groups Think About The Use of Innovative Blood Cell Therapies: A Small Scale Qualitative Study for the Bristol Blood & Transplant Research Unit. Presentation to Bristol Blood & Transplant Research Unit, NHSBT, Bristol, January 2017.
Hale, R. & Kent, J. [Invited presentation] Donor, Patient and Public Perspectives on Laboratory Grown, Red Blood Cells, Presentation to NHSBT Public Advisory Group, Bristol, December 2016.
Hale, R. (2013) An actor-network analysis of the healthcare worker influenza immunisation programme in Wales. Presentation to representatives from the Welsh Assembly Government, Public Health Wales and Local Health Boards, Cardiff, June 2013.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Boardman, F. and Hale, R. (2019) ‘Genetic screening, Disability and the Future of Society?’, Café Scientifique, Leamington Spa, January 2019.
Hale, R. and Boardman, F. [Invited presentation] ‘A Study of Attitudes Towards Genetic Screening in the UK’, The Haemophilia Society Conference, Birmingham, November 2018.
Hale, R. and Boardman, F. (2017) ‘Pre-conception genetic screening for autosomal recessive conditions of uncertain or highly variable prognosis: social and ethical implications’, Fragile X Society Family Weekend, Oxfordshire, September 2017.
Hale, R. and Kent, J. [Invited presentation] ‘Lab grown blood becomes a reality’ Science Café, British Science Association (Bristol and Bath Branch), SouthBank Club, Bristol, February 2016.
Committees and reviewing
Member of the Executive Committee and conference co-ordinator for the Association for Studies in Innovation, Science and Technology (AsSIST-UK), September 2019-present
Journal Associate Editor, Cogent Social Sciences
Journal Reviewer, Sociology of Health and Illness
Journal Reviewer, Science as Culture
Journal Reviewer, Journal of Hospital Infection (JHI)
Journal Reviewer, American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC)
Journal Reviewer, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses
OTHER CITIZENSHIP
Covid-19 Student Check-in Service Volunteer, March-April 2020
Co-ordinator for the Social Divisions/ Social Identities stream at the British Sociological Association (BSA) conference, November 2013-April 2019
STEM Ambassador, April 2019-present
Public Health Wales (PHW) Screening Engagement Volunteer, April 2012-April 2013
2020
- Hale, R. 2020. Commentary on the Coronavirus pandemic. [Online]. Everyday Society: British Sociological Association. Available at: https://es.britsoc.co.uk/commentary-on-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
2019
- Anstey, S.et al. 2019. Giving primacy to the voices of people affected by cancer (PABC) in shaping educational innovations - An exploratory qualitative study. Cancer Reports 2(5), article number: e1189. (10.1002/cnr2.1189)
- Cherian, T.et al. 2019. Factors and considerations for establishing and improving seasonal influenza vaccination of health workers: Report from a WHO meeting, January 16-17, Berlin, Germany. Vaccine 37(43), pp. 6255-6261. (10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.07.079)
- Boardman, F. K.et al. 2019. Preventing lives affected by hemophilia: A mixed methods study of the views of adults with hemophilia and their families toward genetic screening. Molecular Genetics and Genomic Medicine, article number: e618. (10.1002/mgg3.618)
- Charian, T.et al. 2019. WHO manual: How to implement seasonal influenza vaccination of health workers. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/immunization/research/development/health_worker_influenza_immunization/en/
- Boardman, F. K., Hale, R. and Young, P. J. 2019. Newborn screening for haemophilia: The views of families and adults living with haemophilia in the UK. Haemophilia 25(2), pp. 276-282. (10.1111/hae.13706)
- Boardman, F. K. and Hale, R. 2019. "I didn't take it too seriously because I'd just never heard of it": Experiential knowledge and genetic screening for thalassaemia in the UK. Journal of Genetic Counseling 28(1), pp. 141-154. (10.1002/jgc4.1042)
2018
- Boardman, F. and Hale, R. 2018. What does the haemophilia community think about genetic screening?. The Haemophilia Society Magazine, pp. 25.
- Boardman, F. and Hale, R. 2018. Responsibility, identity, and genomic sequencing: A comparison of published recommendations and patient perspectives on accepting or declining incidental findings. Molecular Genetics and Genomic Medicine 6(6), pp. 1079-1096. (10.1002/mgg3.485)
- Boardman, F. K. and Hale, R. 2018. How do genetically disabled adults view selective reproduction? Impairment, identity, and genetic screening. Molecular Genetics and Genomic Medicine 6(6), pp. 941-956. (10.1002/mgg3.463)
- Lynch, C. D.et al. 2018. Reasons for placement and replacement of crowns in general dental practice. British Dental Journal 225(3), pp. 229. (10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.541)
- Hale, R. 2018. Mandates versus incentives for healthcare worker influenza immunization [Comment on Margaret McCartney: Mandatory flu vaccination won’t fix the NHS]. BMJ
2017
- Hale, R. and Kent, J. 2017. 'Extending the gift'? Donor perspectives on laboratory grown red blood cells. Blood and Transplant Matters(50), pp. 10 -11.
2016
- Gould, D.et al. 2016. Promoting health workers' ownership of infection prevention and control: using Normalization Process Theory as an interpretive framework. Journal of Hospital Infection 94(4), pp. 373-380. (10.1016/j.jhin.2016.09.015)
- Anstey, S.et al. 2016. Education and training to enhance end of life care for nursing home staff: a systematic literature review. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care 6(3), pp. 353-361. (10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-000956)
- Hale, R. 2016. An actor-network analysis of the Healthcare Worker Influenza Immunisation Programme on Wales 2009-11. PhD Thesis, University of Nottingham.
2015
- Hale, R.et al. 2015. Working practices and success of infection prevention and control teams: a scoping study. Journal of Hospital Infection 89(2), pp. 77-81. (10.1016/j.jhin.2014.10.006)
2013
- Hale, R. 2013. Symposium on public health and the environment: sociological perspectives. Medical Sociology Online 7(3), pp. 41-42.
- Hale, R., Dingwall, R. and Nguyen-Van-Tam, J. 2013. Linking micro and macro in the UK National Health Service Healthcare Worker Influenza Immunisation Programme. Presented at: ASA Annual Meeting, New York City, NY, USA, 10-13 August 2013.
- Dolan, G. P.et al. 2013. Vaccination of healthcare workers to protect patients at increased risk of acute respiratory disease: summary of a systematic review. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7, pp. 93. (10.1111/irv.12087)
2012
- Dolan, G. P.et al. 2012. Vaccination of health care workers to protect patients at increased risk for acute respiratory disease. Emerging Infectious Disease 18(8), pp. 1225. (10.3201/eid1808.111355)
- Dolan, G. P.et al. 2012. Vaccination of health care workers to protect patients at increased risk for acute respiratory disease. Emerging Infectious Disease 18(8), pp. 1225-1234. (10.3201/eid1808.111355)
I am currently supervising a Masters in Public Health (MPH) dissertation.
I have previously taught at several universities (Warwick, Nottingham, West of England, South Wales/Glamorgan) to a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students (sociology, criminology, education, interdisciplinary, medical, other health professionals). I have taught on the following substantive courses: Social Identity and Inequality; Bodies, Technology and Society; Genomics: Science and Society; Sociology of the Body; Values, Law and Ethics; Ethics of health screening; Pandemic planning; Sociology of Pornography; Key Issues in Sex Education. I have taught on the following research methods courses: Research Design, Practice and Ethics; Qualitative Research Methods in Health; Mixed Methods in Health Research; and, Mixed Methods Research Techniques. I have been a repeated guest lecturer at a previous institution where I was a sociology lecturer. I have also supervised undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and professional projects.
I am a sociologist fascinated by the societal and ethical issues around health, science and technology. I have expertise in qualitative methods and sociology/Science and Technology Studies theoretical approaches; as well as in, quantitative, mixed and systematic review methods. I have experience of teaching substantive topics and research methods at several universities, to a diverse range of students, and of undergraduate and postgraduate dissertation/professional project supervision. I am a committed academic citizen, including as an expert consultant for the World Health Organization.
I am a qualitative researcher at the Centre for Trials Research. I am currently working on the study 'Inside the Black Box- An Ethnographic Examination of Nurses' Professional Judgement in Nursing Staffing Systems in England and Wales'.
During 2019, I worked at Cardiff University on Prof. Adam Hedgecoe's Wellcome Trust funded qualitative study: ‘Professional decision making in next generation clinical genetics’.
From 2017 to 2019, I worked at the University of Warwick on Dr. Felicty Boardman's Wellcome Trust funded mixed methods study: ‘Pre-conception genetic screening for autosomal recessive conditions of uncertain or highly variable prognosis: social and ethical implications’.
From 2015 to 2017, I worked at the University of the West of England on Prof. Julie Kent's NIHR funded qualitative study: ‘Social, economic and ethical issues around cultured red blood cells, stem cells and immortalised cell lines’.
From 2013 to 2017, I worked at Cardiff University on several qualitative and mixed methods research projects including; divisional ownership of infection prevention and control; cancer survivorship; and, dentists' decision making around crown placement and replacement. I also worked on literature reviews and grant applications.
FUNDING AWARDS
Goethe University funding to present at workshop ‘Hope and fear for the future of human genome editing, We, new utopians – Genome editing and echoes of future life’, Frankfurt, September 2019
British Council Research Links funding for Qualitative Research in Infection Control workshop (Sao Paulo, Brazil), February 2015
Cardiff University/HEFCW Strategic Insight Programme (SIP) funding, £2500, November 2014
British Sociological Association (BSA) Early Career Researcher conference funding to present at the BSA Medical Sociology Conference, York, September 2013
King’s College London bursary to attend summer school course ‘Doing social science research in healthcare settings’, London, July 2013
University of Nottingham Science Technology and Society (STS) Priority Group travel bursary, June 2013
Full ESRC/MRC PhD studentship October 2010-September 2013
I am interested in supervising PhD students in the areas of:
- Medical Sociology
- Science and Technology Studies
- Ethical, Legal and Societal Implications Research
- Healthcare Services Research
Past projects
I have supervised undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and professional projects in the area of healthcare.
EXPERT ADVISORY ROLES
UK Government KEU COVID-19 Outbreak Expert Database member, 2020-present
Welsh Assembly Government Covid-19 Expert, 2020-present
Invited member of the UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab E-Team COVID-19: what social sciences need policymakers to know, 2020-present
Invited member of the UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab Public E-Team: ‘Inequalities in the time of COVID-19’, 2020-present
Cardiff University Biobank Scientific Review Committee member, 2019-present
UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab expert, 2019-present
Independent Expert Advisory Group (IEAG) member for the World Health Organization Influenza Implementation Research Focal Point (Initiative for Vaccine Research), 2018- present
External Consultant for Tailoring Influenza Immunization Programmes (TIP FLU) for the World Health Organization (WHO), 2014-present
External Consultant for Public Health Wales healthcare worker measles immunisation research study, 2013
External Consultant for Public Health Wales cervical screening uptake amongst hard-to-reach groups research study, 2010
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Boardman, F. and Hale, R. (2019) ‘Genetic screening, Disability and the Future of Society?’, Café Scientifique, Leamington Spa, January 2019.
Hale, R. and Boardman, F. [Invited presentation] ‘A Study of Attitudes Towards Genetic Screening in the UK’, The Haemophilia Society Conference, Birmingham, November 2018.
Hale, R. and Boardman, F. (2017) ‘Pre-conception genetic screening for autosomal recessive conditions of uncertain or highly variable prognosis: social and ethical implications’, Fragile X Society Family Weekend, Oxfordshire, September 2017.
Hale, R. and Kent, J. [Invited presentation] ‘Lab grown blood becomes a reality’ Science Café, British Science Association (Bristol and Bath Branch), SouthBank Club, Bristol, February 2016.
REPORTS
Hale, R. and Kent, L. [Report to Bristol Blood and Transplant Research Unit (BTRU)] An investigation of what diverse patient, donor and public groups think about the use of innovative blood cell therapies: a small scale qualitative study for the Bristol Blood & Transplant Research Unit, January 2017.
Hale, R. [Report to Welsh Assembly Government, Public Health Wales and Local Health Boards] Report on doctoral study: An actor-network analysis of the healthcare influenza immunisation programme in Wales: 2009-11, May 2014.
ONLINE CONTENT
Hale, R. (2020) Commentary on the Coronavirus Pandemic, UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab, https://en.unesco.org/inclusivepolicylab/e-teams/inequalities-time-covid-19/documents/lessons-h1n1-pandemic
Hale, R. (2020) Quicktake: Commentary on the Coronavirus Pandemic, International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA), March 2020, https://www.ingsa.org/covidtag/covid-19-commentary/hale-commentary/
Hale, R. (2020) Commentary on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Association for Studies in Innovation Science and Technology-UK (AsSIST-uk) Newsletter, March 2020, https://assistukdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/a-uk-newsletter-march-2020.pdf
Imagining Futures Blogspot, 2017-2019, http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/med/research/hscience/sssh/research/imagining_futures/blogspot/
Hale, R. and Dingwall, R. (2013) Set up to fail? A&E funding incentives, targets and flu vaccinations, Cost of Living Blog, Sep 27 2013, http://www.cost-ofliving.net/set-up-to-fail-a-e-funding-incentives-targets-and-flu-vaccinations/
CONTRIBUTION TO ARTISTIC/MEDIA OUTPUTS
Touring immersive art installation and soundscape about genetic screening, University of Warwick, 2019. https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/research/hscience/sssh/research/imagining_futures/i_dna/
Ethnodrama video about cancer survivorship, Cardiff University, 2016.
Areas of expertise
External profiles
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