Merran Toerien

Professor Merran Toerien is a leading scholar in conversation analysis and institutional interaction at the University of York, where she holds a professorship in Sociology and directs the Centre for Advanced Studies in Language & Communication. Her work bridges health communication, gender studies, and social policy.

• PhD in Psychology, Gender Studies, and Conversation Analysis (University of York)
• BA(Hons) in Psychology and Gender Studies (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

Research Focus: Application of conversation analysis to institutional settings, including neurology clinics, jobcenter interviews, and beauty salons. Key areas: patient choice in clinical practice, interactional constraints in shared decision-making, cross-cultural communication, and emotional labor dynamics.

Academic Contributions: Authored 41 research outputs and secured multiple NIHR and ESRC grants. Her work on patient choice generated two REF 4* impact case studies, demonstrating practical applications in medical education through e-learning packages.

Scientific Awards:

• RCUK Research Fellowship in Communication and Language Use in Interaction

Training & Collaboration: Trains researchers in conversation analysis across the UK and internationally. Collaborates with neurologists, social scientists, and medical educators globally (Sheffield, Brazil, China, Netherlands, South Africa). Serves on York's Research Committee and as Director of Research in Sociology.