Kate Hamblin

Professor Kate Hamblin is a leading academic in Social Policy and Ageing Studies at the University of Sheffield’s School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations. She holds the position of Director of the Centre for Care and leads the Digital Care research theme. Her roles also include UK Networks Lead for the North and East-Midlands in the IMProving Adult Care Together (IMPACT) evidence implementation Centre, and Policy and Practice Liaison Lead for the NIHR School for Social Care Research.

She earned her PhD from the University of Bath in 2010, focusing on EU policies for work and retirement transitions. Her research expertise spans technology’s role in eldercare, unpaid care-work intersections, and arts-based health interventions. Notable projects include the AKTIVE project on assistive technologies for older adults and the Sustainable Care programme.

Her research interests prioritize technology’s impact on care systems, aging societies, social policy frameworks, and the nexus of arts and health. Her work critically evaluates policy narratives, digital transformations in care, and the ethical implications of AI and telecare. She has contributed to policy debates on care workforce challenges and sustainable care models.

Publications highlight themes like digital care equity, AI’s role in care crises, and cross-national comparisons of carer leave policies. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy solutions, emphasizing evidence-based implementation.

Prof. Hamblin’s academic contributions include leading the Centre for Care, directing interdisciplinary research initiatives, and collaborating with international networks. She actively engages with policymakers, practitioners, and global health organizations to address systemic care challenges.