Pru Hobson-West

Pru Hobson-West is Professor of Science, Medicine and Society in the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Nottingham, UK. She also holds an Honorary Professor position in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science and serves as Director of the Institute for Science and Society, an interdisciplinary research center. With expertise spanning science and technology studies, medical sociology, and animals and society, Professor Hobson-West focuses on controversial or sensitive areas of medicine, particularly examining the role of non-humans in science and medicine.

Her research investigates how animals function both as models in laboratory science and as consumers of medicine in veterinary practice. Key areas of focus include:

• Vaccination (for both humans and animals)
• Human-animal relations in scientific and clinical contexts
• Ethical dimensions of veterinary practice
• Public engagement with science
• Animal research governance

Professor Hobson-West has developed significant expertise in qualitative research methods for studying sensitive topics, with a particular reputation for in-depth interviews. She has also employed innovative approaches such as the Ethical Matrix and creative methods like short story writing in her research and teaching. Her work often bridges disciplinary boundaries, connecting sociology with veterinary science, ethics, and public health.

Her recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on vaccine hesitancy across species boundaries, laboratory animal research ethics, and the social dimensions of veterinary medicine. The work shows increasing international collaboration, particularly through EU-funded projects addressing vaccine trust across Europe. There's also a clear trajectory toward examining emotional dimensions of health decision-making and exploring how humanities and social sciences can contribute to veterinary practice.

Professor Hobson-West has received recognition for her work through prestigious awards including:

• Fellow Status of the Higher Education Academy (2015)
• Appointment to the University of Nottingham's Research Leaders Programme (2017)
• Wellcome Trust Collaborative Award (2017-2023)
• Wellcome Trust Prime Scholarship (2020-2022)

She has secured substantial research funding from diverse sources including the Wellcome Trust, ESRC, British Academy, and EU Horizon programs. Current projects include EU Horizon 2020's VAX-TRUST addressing vaccine hesitancy in Europe, and British Academy-funded research on the social dimensions of veterinary medicine.

Professor Hobson-West has supervised numerous PhD students and has extensive experience supporting interdisciplinary research projects. She has developed notable public engagement activities, including an e-learning resource accredited by the Royal College of Nursing on childhood vaccine hesitancy. Her outreach includes media appearances on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Nottingham, and Notts TV.