Emma France

Professor Emma France is a distinguished academic specializing in qualitative research methods at the Centre for Healthcare and Community Research (CHeCR) at the University of Stirling. She serves as co-convenor of the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group and is an Associate Editor of the Cochrane-Campbell Handbook for Qualitative Evidence Synthesis.

Her educational background includes an MA (honours) in psychology and French and a PhD in psychology, both from the University of Glasgow. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a researcher and project manager in commercial and voluntary sectors including mental health service provision, design consultancy, and telecommunications.

Professor France specializes in qualitative evidence synthesis, particularly meta-ethnography, and has expertise in quantitative-qualitative mixed methods approaches and intervention development. Her research focuses on families and long-term health conditions, with particular emphasis on children's health, self-care, well-being, mental health, and identity. She has developed significant expertise in methodological research within qualitative evidence synthesis.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trajectory in qualitative evidence synthesis methodology, particularly in meta-ethnography, alongside applied research in pediatric pain management, cystic fibrosis care, and palliative services for children with life-limiting conditions. Her work consistently bridges methodological development with practical healthcare applications.

• Co-convenor of the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group
• Associate Editor of the Cochrane-Campbell Handbook for Qualitative Evidence Synthesis
• Principal Investigator on multiple NIHR-funded projects
• Recipient of research awards (specifics not detailed)

Professor France leads and collaborates on major research grants from prestigious funders including the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the World Health Organization, and the Chief Scientist Office. Her projects often involve methodological development in qualitative evidence synthesis alongside applied health research in family-centered care for chronic conditions. She has established herself as a leader in developing standards and guidelines for qualitative evidence synthesis through initiatives like the eMERGE project.

Her work extends to developing practical interventions for improving healthcare delivery, particularly for children with chronic conditions, demonstrating her commitment to translating research findings into tangible healthcare improvements.