Carrie Heitmeyer

Dr. Carrie Heitmeyer is an anthropologist and policy expert affiliated with the London School of Economics (LSE) Department of Anthropology. She currently serves as Head of Social Science in the UK Government Office for Science and previously held roles such as Senior Science Adviser for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) during the Covid response. Her research bridges evidence-based policymaking, sociology of science, and global health governance, with a focus on India’s health initiatives, stem cell regulation, and sociopolitical conflicts. She explores how authority and legitimacy are ascribed to scientific evidence in policymaking contexts.

Her work spans the interface between state and civil society, including studies on reproductive rights advocacy, communal violence impacts, and Sufi religious practices in Gujarat. She has contributed to energy decarbonization and disaster preparedness strategies, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address societal challenges. Her expertise includes citizen science engagement, anthropology of emerging technologies, and the governance of biotechnologies like stem cell therapies.

Publications highlight themes such as ethical frameworks in biotechnology, post-conflict identity dynamics, and global health policy translation. Her research demonstrates a commitment to understanding sociotechnical futures and the role of civil society in shaping equitable policies.