Helen Packwood

Dr. Helen Packwood is a Lecturer in Social Research Methods at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science, affiliated with the Research Training Centre (RTC). Her research focuses on education policy, migration, and mixed methods analysis, with a particular emphasis on ethnic inequalities and youth transitions. She contributes to initiatives like the Edinburgh Q Step Centre and the NordForsk-funded TEAMS project, exploring migrant student integration and crisis-resilient childcare systems during the pandemic.

Education:

• PhD, University of St Andrews
• PGDE Education (Geography), University of Edinburgh
• MSc Urban and Regional Planning, Heriot Watt University
• BSc Geography, University of St Andrews

Research Interests: Combining quantitative and qualitative methods, Dr. Packwood examines educational disparities among migrant youth, policy impacts of migration, and demographic changes. Her work bridges academic inquiry with policy, informed by frontline teaching and community engagement.

Current Projects:

• TEAMS: Analyzing teacher practices for diverse student populations in Scotland, Sweden, and Finland
• UKRI-funded study on crisis-resilient childcare systems post-lockdowns

Teaching & Mentorship: Convenes courses on research skills, mixed methods, and qualitative interviewing. Supervises PhD students in migration, education, and quantitative methods.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Edinburgh Q Step Centre, Research Training Centre, and collaborations with Nordic institutions.