Seana Friel

Seana Friel is a Research Fellow at the University of Bedfordshire's Institute of Applied Social Research (IASR) and Tilda Goldberg Centre (TGC). She specializes in transitions to adulthood for care-experienced young people, with over seven years' experience in mixed-methods research. Her work focuses on participatory approaches, policy development, and vulnerable populations including care leavers, homeless individuals, and young adult carers.

Education: B.Sc. Hons. Psychology (Ulster University, 2012–2016), Diploma in Professional Practice (Ulster University, 2014).

Key Projects:

• ESRC-funded Exploring Innovations in Transitions to Adulthood (EXIT)
• Care Leaver, COVID-19 and Transitions from Care (CCTC)
• YOLO Study on care leavers with mental health/intellectual disabilities (Queen’s University Belfast)

Expertise: Mixed-methods research design, participatory methodologies, data analysis (SPSS/MAXQDA), stakeholder engagement with local authorities and young people.

Grants:

• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding for multiple projects

She collaborates with the Learning and Work Institute on inclusive employment initiatives and leads peer research projects emphasizing lived experience perspectives.