Vanessa Higgins

Vanessa Higgins is a Senior Research Fellow in Social Statistics at the Cathie Marsh Institute, The University of Manchester. She serves as Director of User Support and Training for the UK Data Service, leading training programs for researchers and educators. Her roles include teaching modules on social research methods and health inequalities. Higgins' research focuses on data literacy and health disparities, with expertise in survey research, quantitative/qualitative analysis, and large-scale data projects. She has held roles at the Office for National Statistics and led projects funded by ESRC, UKRI, and international bodies. Key grants include the UK Data Service (2024-2030) and initiatives fostering global data skills. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing equity and data-driven solutions. Higgins is active in professional organizations like the European Survey Research Association and contributes to editorial and advisory boards for research journals and initiatives.

Her research interests span survey methodology, health and lifestyle factors, ethnicity, obesity, diet, and physical activity. Notable publications include studies on data skills frameworks, ethnic minorities' obesity determinants, and cross-cultural statistical education. Higgins has supervised PhD students and examined theses, while her activities include organizing conferences and workshops on data training and social science research methods.