Clare Gardiner serves as Professor of Palliative Care at the University of Sheffield's School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery. She leads the Sheffield Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group and co-directs the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre, with over 15 years of research experience and more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. Research Focus: Her work centers on palliative and end-of-life care, ageing populations, and mesothelioma. Key interests include economic aspects of palliative care (particularly family caregiving costs), social isolation in elderly populations, and loneliness interventions like befriending. As Co-Director of the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre, she investigates patient experiences and service delivery models for mesothelioma care. Publication Trends: Recent work (2022-2025) demonstrates strong emphasis on mesothelioma care pathways, pandemic impacts on palliative services, caregiver financial burdens, and mental health implications. Her methodological approach combines mixed-methods studies, systematic reviews, and international comparative analyses to address health equity and service delivery challenges. Scientific Recognition: Vice Chancellor’s Fellowship (2015) for economic analysis of palliative care Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship (2020) studying policies for working end-of-life caregivers Leadership & Grants: She currently directs Mesothelioma UK-funded research (2020-2023) and previously led the University-funded 'Cost of Dying' project (2015-2019). Her research on financial support systems for caregivers has shaped policy discussions, while her role as Chair of the European Association for Palliative Care Reference Group for Family Caregivers drives international collaboration. Research Infrastructure: Gardiner maintains dual leadership roles in the Sheffield Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group and Mesothelioma UK Research Centre, fostering interdisciplinary teams focused on evidence-based interventions for vulnerable patient populations and their caregivers.









