Rebecca O'Connell

I am a Reader in the Sociology of Food and Families at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, UCL Institute of Education. Since 2008 I have managed and conducted policy relevant research on food practices among children and families in the UK and internationally. I have expertise in managing complex mixed and multi methods research, international comparative approaches and a range of qualitative methods, including ethnography. My work has been funded by the European Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, Food Standards Agency, Public Health England and Higher Education Innovation Fund. In addition to peer reviewed journal articles, my publications include two coauthored books and an edited collection. I am deeply committed to using research to inform public and policy debates and to this end collaborate with organisations concerned with the effects of social policies on children’s and families’ food and lives.