Academy recognises Leicester academic’s healthcare expertise

A prominent healthcare academic at the University of Leicester has been recognised as an expert in her field by the Academy of Social Sciences.

Professor Natalie Armstrong, Professor of Healthcare Improvement Research in the Department of Population Health Sciences, has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy.

New Fellows are honoured for the excellence and impact of their work. They are chosen because their research or leadership has helped to address some of the major challenges facing society, places and economies.

Professor Armstrong is a medical sociologist whose work uses social science theory and qualitative methods to improve healthcare quality. Over her career, Natalie has undertaken research in a range of health and care contexts, including commissioned projects for key healthcare organisations. She has a long-standing interest in women’s and children’s health, and in population-based screening. In June 2022, Professor Armstrong was appointed to an independent national committee that provides policy advice to government on NHS screening programmes.

Professor Henrietta O'Connor, Head of the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities at the University of Leicester and herself a Fellow, said: “I would like to congratulate Professor Armstrong on this fantastic and richly-deserved achievement. She is an exceptionally talented social science practitioner and I’m delighted her world-class thought-leadership, research and professional expertise is being recognised by such a prestigious Academy.”

Professor Thompson Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Life Sciences, added: “This is fully justified recognition of Professor Armstrong’s work which spans health care and social science. Her work to improve quality and safety in health and social care is especially important in improving health outcomes.”

The Academy’s distinguished Fellowship comprises 1,500 leading social scientists from academia and the public, private and third sectors. Their expertise covers the breadth of social sciences and the Academy works with them to promote social sciences in the UK for public benefit. This includes championing and fostering a thorough understanding of social sciences in policy, business and public life.

Browse Leicester’s Fellows on the Academy of Social Science website by selecting University of Leicester in the organisation filter field.