Tracey Loughran

Professor Tracey Loughran is a historian at the University of Essex, where she serves as Director of the Centre for Public and Policy Engagement and a member of the School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary social and medical discourse.

• PhD in History (2006, Queen Mary, University of London)
• MA in Intellectual and Cultural History (2002, Queen Mary, University of London)
• BA (Hons) in History (2001, Queen Mary, University of London)

Loughran’s research explores the intersections of gender, trauma, psychology, and medical culture, focusing on 20th-century Britain. Her work often integrates interdisciplinary methodologies, such as oral history and emotional analysis, to examine how individuals navigate health, identity, and societal structures. She has contributed extensively to studies on shell-shock, reproductive health, and subjectivity in historical contexts.

Her recent projects, including the Wellcome Trust-funded Body, Self and Family, highlight her commitment to public engagement and applied historical research. Loughran also co-founded the Eastern ARC Mentoring Scheme, fostering cross-institutional research collaboration.

Loughran supervises PhD students in history and has co-authored a toolkit for youth wellbeing education. Her grants include major funding from the Wellcome Trust and British Academy, supporting research on women’s health and emotional history.