Andrew Balmer

Andrew Balmer is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Manchester's School of Social Sciences. His research focuses on three main areas: the sociology of everyday life (particularly deception and secrecy), creative qualitative methodologies, and the sociology of scientific practices. He has contributed to the Mass Observation Project and studies in dementia and synthetic biology. Balmer is Editor of the journal Sociology (2018-2022) and holds a Simon Research Fellowship (2012). He supervises PhD students in topics ranging from astral object symbolism to video game ethnography. His work connects with UN Sustainable Development Goals through initiatives like Dementia@Manchester and Digital Futures research. Key projects include the Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre and socio-atmospheric interdisciplinary networks.

Research interests include lying in digital contexts, AI ethics, and the impact of digitalization on scientific labor. Media engagements have addressed lie detector controversies and EU border technology flaws. Collaborations span global institutions, reflecting his emphasis on interdisciplinary and public-facing scholarship.