Melanie Boyce

Melanie Boyce is an Associate Professor of Gender and Social Justice at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), affiliated with the School of Allied Health and Social Care in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care. Her research focuses on improving health and social care for marginalized groups, particularly women facing multiple disadvantages, emphasizing peer-led initiatives, feminist inquiry, and inclusive methodologies. She holds a PhD from ARU (2016) and has extensive experience in qualitative research and teaching.

Boyce’s academic career began at ARU in 2004 as a Research Assistant, progressing to her current role. She has led and contributed to internationally-funded projects, including studies on self-harm peer support groups, Roma families in Children’s Services, and Afghan refugee integration. Her teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate social work courses, covering research methods, trauma-informed care, and marginalization.

Her research supervision has guided doctoral students in topics like hyperemesis gravidarum, trauma-informed care for disadvantaged women, and architectural education in Nigeria. She is an HEA Fellow and served as Guest Editor for Educational Action Research Journal. Key grants include evaluations of outreach programs for women in prostitution (£50k) and a UK-focused study on Roma families (£4.4k).

Boyce’s work prioritizes ethical engagement with marginalized communities, advocating for socially just policies. Current projects include exploring mental health support for women with hyperemesis gravidarum and trauma-informed outreach strategies. Her research bridges academia and practice, emphasizing participatory approaches to address systemic inequities.