Jo Edson Ferrie

Professor Jo Edson Ferrie is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow, affiliated with the School of Social & Political Sciences and the Department of Sociological & Cultural Studies. She holds the title of Principal Fellow of Recognition of Excellence in Teaching (RET) and serves as Associate Dean of Skill and Method. Her work focuses on enhancing research methods education and advancing human rights through participatory methodologies.

Education: Completed her PhD in the Centre for Disability Research at the University of Glasgow (2008).

Research Interests:

• Research Methods Education: Pioneered quantitative skills training through Glasgow Q-Step, influencing national postgraduate training guidelines. Focuses on integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, research integrity, and interdisciplinary learning.
• Human Rights and Disability Rights: Active in disability rights advocacy, serving on the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s Research Advisory Group. Collaborates on projects in Ukraine and Scotland to advance human rights-based approaches.

Grants & Awards:

• Principal Fellow of RET (2023) for Excellence in Teaching.
• Lead on major grants including ESRC-funded data-driven research (2020–2021) and Nuffield Foundation-supported Glasgow Q-Step (2013–2021).

Advising & Training:

Mentored 13 PhD/Master’s students and led initiatives such as the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences. Spearheaded training programs addressing postgraduate skill gaps, contributing to £2.4M in UK-wide training funds.

Labs/Teams:

• Q-Step Centre: Transformed quantitative education in social sciences.
• Curricula 4 Life: Develops interdisciplinary courses addressing sustainability and SDGs.