Robyn McCarthy

Robyn McCarthy is a public health researcher and educator at the University of Salford's School of Health & Society, where she serves as a Module Leader for the Public Health Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship program. She is also affiliated with the Centre for Applied Health Research.

Her research focuses on critical public health issues including:

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and prenatal alcohol exposure
• Child development and early identification of developmental disorders
• Health inequalities and community-based interventions
• Mixed methods research approaches to evaluate public health impact

Dr. McCarthy has established herself as a leading expert in FASD research in the UK, having worked on the first UK-wide FASD prevalence study. Her work spans both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, examining not only the medical aspects but also the social and policy implications of developmental disorders. She has presented her findings at international conferences, including a plenary talk at the EU FASD conference in Norway in 2022.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on:

• Understanding the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on educational outcomes
• Exploring parents' experiences with developmental disorder diagnoses
• Developing innovative approaches to public health education and awareness

Notable recognitions include the Dissertation Helen Prosser prize for Endeavor during her MSc studies and being shortlisted for the 2024 Celebration of Innovation award for Best Contribution to Open and Responsible Research.

Dr. McCarthy brings a unique perspective to public health, having previously worked as an optometrist for fifteen years before transitioning to public health research. This clinical background informs her approach to understanding health disparities and developing practical interventions.