About
Dr. Robert French is a Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University's School of Social Sciences. His work focuses on the intersection of health, education, and social policy, with a particular emphasis on data linkage methodologies to address disparities in healthcare and educational outcomes. He leads projects such as the ADR UK-funded initiative to establish frameworks for linking child health and education datasets in England and Wales.
Key research interests include educational attainment dynamics, health inequalities among LGBTQ+ populations, and the impact of chronic conditions like diabetes on academic performance. His recent work explores factors influencing Special Educational Needs identification in Wales and the long-term outcomes of Graves' disease therapies.
French's publications span epidemiology, public health, and social sciences, with methodological expertise in multilevel modeling and data integration. He collaborates with institutions like NHS Digital, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and universities across Europe to advance evidence-based policymaking.
His current projects include analyzing prescribing costs for diabetes treatments in Wales and examining cardiovascular risks linked to Graves' disease. French is also involved in public engagement, including workshops with Diabetes UK to inform ethical data usage frameworks.
He holds leadership roles in multidisciplinary research teams and has secured grants from ADR UK and Wellcome Trust. His office is located at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, reflecting his clinical and academic collaborations.
