Doctor Katie Shearn PhD, BSc.
Ï㽶ÊÓƵer
Summary
My research interests span cultural, political, organisational and interpersonal factors affecting health and wellbeing. My doctoral studies developed theory and evidence to support services deliver positive youth sexual health services
I am currently researching whole-systems transformations to deliver person-centred public health including for sexual wellbeing and increased levels of physical activity. I am a methods pluralist with an expertise in realist methodologies which are orientated towards the explanation of social phenomena situated within complex systems.
I returned to academia in 2014 following a successful career in contract social and marketing research in the private sector.
About
I am actively involved in research and supervision at both Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and in collaboration with other universities. Most of my projects include a realist methodology component and I have contributed methodological advancements in peer-reviewed journal articles and at international conferences.
1) Sexual health and wellbeing for young people. This includes advising on policy and conducting research on positive sexuality, sexuality education and services for sexual wellbeing. I have contributed to national policy as well as peer reviewed publications and conference presentations. I am interested in the application of the Capabilities Approach as a framework to support young people's sexual health and general wellbeing.
2) Living well with HIV. This emerging research area acknowledges that people with HIV who are adherent to treatment can live longer lives but often with a range of comorbidities and ill mental health. This programme of work would investigate new models of health care and community led interventions to support people living with HIV to have the best possible quality of life.
3) Whole-systems transformations. In collaboration with local stakeholders I have developed realist informed theory and evaluation frameworks for transforming systems and processes to support community-led, assets-based or person-centred systems.
My academic career builds on the successes of a 13 year career in contract social and marketing research where I was responsible for large scale and high profile research projects for clients including the Department of Health and Social Care and the Wellcome Trust.
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ
1) Sexual health and wellbeing for young people. This includes advising on policy and conducting research on positive sexuality, sexuality education and services for sexual wellbeing. I have contributed to national policy as well as peer reviewed publications and conference presentations. I am interested in the application of the Capabilities Approach as a framework to support young people's sexual health and general wellbeing.
2) Living well with HIV. This emerging research area acknowledges that people with HIV who are adherent to treatment can live longer lives but often with a range of comorbidities and ill mental health. This programme of work would investigate new models of health care and community led interventions to support people living with HIV to have the best possible quality of life.
3) Whole-systems transformations. In collaboration with local stakeholders I have developed realist informed theory and evaluation frameworks for transforming systems and processes to support community-led, assets-based or person-centred systems.
My academic career builds on the successes of a 13 year career in contract social and marketing research where I was responsible for large scale and high profile research projects for clients including the Department of Health and Social Care and the Wellcome Trust.
I am currently working with Public Health England, the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield Accountable Care Partnership, Doncaster Council and the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine.
Publications
Key Publications
Shearn, K. (2023). . In Adams, A., & Harris, K. (Eds.) Evaluation in Sport and Leisure. Routledge:
Shearn, K., Brooks, A., Humphreys, H., & Wardle, C. (2022). . Children and Society: the international journal of childhood and children's services, 36 (4), 450-471.
Potts, A.J., Nobles, J., Shearn, K., Danks, K., & Frith, G. (2022). . Systems, 10 (3).
Bansal, A., Greenley, S., Mitchell, C., Park, S., Shearn, K., & Reeve, J. (2022). . Medical Education, 56 (5), 489-503.
Potts, A., Shearn, K., Frith, G., & Christy, E. (2021). . Perspectives in Public Health, 141 (2), 74-75.
Danks, K., Shearn, K., Dalkin, S., Fitzgerald, M., & Broom, D.R. (2021). . Perspectives in Public Health, 141 (2), 72-73.
Bellow, B., Cavill, N., Allender, S., Copeland, R., & Shearn, K. (2020). . In Bellew, B., Nau, T., Smith, B.J., & Bauman, A. (Eds.) Getting Australia Active III. A systems approach to physical activity for policy makers. The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre and The University of Sydney
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., Edgar, K., Frith, G., & Christy, E. (2020). . Substance.
Shearn, K., Allmark, P., Piercy, H., & Hirst, J. (2017). . International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16 (1), 1-11.
Shearn, K., Piercy, H., Allmark, P., & Hirst, J. (2016). . The Lancet, 388 (Supp2), S105.
Journal articles
Grinvalds, N., Shearn, K., Humphreys, H., Lowe, A., De Vivo, M., Brown, B., & Copeland, R. (2025). . Exercise, Sport and Movement, 3 (1S).
Downey, J., Shearn, K., Brown, N., Wadey, R., & Breckon, J. (2024). . Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 12 (1).
Jones, S.M., Porroche-Escudero, A., Shearn, K., Hunter, R.F., & Garcia, L. (2024). . International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21.
Grinvalds, N., Copeland, R., Shearn, K., & Humphreys, H. (2024). . European Journal of Public Health, 34 (Supple).
Downey, J., Harris, N., Rybczynska-Bunt, S., Golder, E., Shearn, K., & Bradley, N. (2024). . International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 23.
Reece, L., Bauman, A., Nau, T., Lee, K., Smith, B.J., Bellew, W., ... Copeland, R. (2021). . Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14 (3).
Downey, J., Shearn, K., Brown, N., Wadey, R., & Breckon, J. (2021). . BMC Health Services Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 21.
Peckover, S., Shearn, K., Wood, D., Frankland, S., & Day, P. (2020). . Journal of Health Visiting, 8 (10), 426-434.
Walker, S., Piercy, H., Shearn, K., & Acton, F. (2019). . BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Shearn, K., Piercy, H., Allmark, P., & Hirst, J. (2019). . BMC Health Services Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 19, 503.
Conference papers
Armour, S., Davies, R., Vincent, R., Harris, K., Storey, R., Ryan, L., & Shearn, K. (2024). Understanding the effectiveness of whole systems, place-based approaches to address entrenched health and wellbeing inequalities, using a configurational-comparative method. In Advancing Behaviour Change Science, Omaha, Nebraska USA, 20 May 2024 - 23 May 2024. ISBNPA: file:///C:/Users/hwbks10/Downloads/2024%20ISBNPA%20Abstract%20Book.pdf
Shearn, K., Vincent, R., Harris, K., Murray-Evans, A., Wingfield, H., Armour, S., ... Broom, D. (2024). An explanatory framework for operationalising and evaluating whole systems approaches to tackle physical activity inequalities. In Advancing Behaviour Change Science, Omaha, Nebraska USA, 20 May 2024 - 23 May 2024. ISBNPA: file:///C:/Users/hwbks10/Downloads/2024%20ISBNPA%20Abstract%20Book.pdf
Shearn, K., Armour, S., Storey, R., Ryan, L., Harris, K., Vincent, R., ... Davies, R. (2024). . In 3rd Annual QCA Conference of the Americas, IL, USA, 20 March 2024 - 22 March 2024.
Reports
Edgar, K., Farrell, G., Lockett-Cooke, E., Williams, J., Storey, R., & Shearn, K. (2025). Greater Manchester Place Partnership: Process Evaluation Report November 2024.
Penhall, S., Shearn, K., Linsey, I., Gaillard, A., & Ling, F. (2025). South Tees Place Partnership - Process Learning Report.
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2024). . London: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-final-report-march-2021-to-june-2023
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2024). . London: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-final-report-appendices-march-2021-to-june-2023
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2024). . London: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-final-report-briefing-march-2021-to-june-2023
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2024). . London: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-final-report-summary-march-2021-to-june-2023
Penhall, S., Shearn, K., Perkin, L., Fishpool, M., Hartley, J., Mitchel, I., & Broom, D. (2024). You've Got This LDP Process Learning Report Final May 2024.
Edgar, K., Shearn, K., Grosset, C., Langer, J., Crabbe, T., Storey, R., & Williams, J. (2023). Greater Manchester Local Pilot: Process Evaluation Report October 2023.
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2023). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-interim-report-summary-sept-2021-to-sept-2022
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2023). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-interim-report-briefing-sept-2021-to-sept-2022
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2023). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-interim-report-appendices-sept-2021-to-sept-2022
Haywood, A., Dayson, C., Garside, R., Foster, A., Lovell, B., Husk, K., ... Wilson, I. (2023). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/gsp-interim-report-sept-2021-to-sept-2022
Shearn, K., Penhall, S., Broom, D., Perkin, L., Hartley, J., Berger, J., & Fishpool, M. (2023). South Tees LDP Process Learning Report Spring 2023.
Griffiths, K., & Shearn, K. (2022). Move More Empowering Communities, Final Report.
Shearn, K., Penhall, S., & Leahy, H. (2022). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation, September 2022.
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., Edgar, K., Griffiths, K., Hart, G., & Storey, R. (2022). Greater Manchester Moving Process Evaluation, October 2022.
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., Edgar, K., Hart, G., Griffiths, K., & Storey, R. (2022). Greater Manchester Moving Process Evaluation, March 2022.
Danks, K., Shearn, K., Broom, D., & Leahy, H. (2022). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation, March 2022.
Griffiths, K., & Shearn, K. (2021). This Girl Can, Evaluation.
Shearn, K., Danks, K., & Broom, D. (2021). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation, September 2021. (3).
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., Edgar, K., Storey, R., Hart, G., & Griffiths, K. (2021). Greater Manchester Moving Process Evaluation, September 2021. (4).
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., & Edgar, K. (2021). Greater Manchester Moving Process Evaluation Report, March 2021. (3).
Danks, K., Shearn, K., & Broom, D. (2021). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation, March 2021.
Brook, A., Shearn, K., & Humphreys, H. (2020). . Unspecified.
Shearn, K., Crabbe, T., Edgar, K., Frith, G., & Christie, E. (2020). . Sport England.
Danks, K., Shearn, K., & Broom, D. (2020). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation, September 2020. (2).
Danks, K., Shearn, K., & Broom, D. (2020). You've Got This (South Tees) Process Evaluation Report, March 2020. (1).
Theses / Dissertations
Brentnall, C. (2023). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Palmer, N., Darabi, F., O'Leary, C., Kerrigan, K., Mcauley, J., & Shearn, K.
Shearn, K.M. (2018). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Piercy, H., Allmark, P., & Hirst, J.
Internet Publications
Shearn, K., Armour, S., Wingfield, H., Ryan, L., Storey, R., Murray-Evans, A., ... Harris, K. (2024). System Maturity Conditions for Place-based Systemic Approaches to Physical Activity Inequalities.
Shearn, K., Armour, S., Wingfield, H., Murray-Evans, A., Ryan, L., Storey, R., ... Vincent, R. (2024). What works in tackling inequalities in physical activity.
Shearn, K., Vincent, R., Harris, K., & Davies, R. (2023). Rationale for whole systems approaches and what it means for evaluation and learning.
Shearn, K., Vincent, R., Harris, K., & Davies, R. (2023). Introduction of Configurational Comparative Analysis.
Presentations
Shearn, K., Dalkin, S., Danks, K., & Allmark, P. (2021). . Presented at: International realist conference 2021, Dublin, Ireland, 2021
Posters
Shearn, K., Piercy, H., Allmark, P., & Hirst, J. (2018). Interpretations of 'positive' approaches to youth sexual health services: concept defining as one phase of a realist evaluation.
Postgraduate supervision
Natalie Grinvalds - Full Time (Y2):
A realist account of the co-location of NHS clinics within leisure centres to place physical activity at the heart of the NHS
2nd Supervisor
Jenny Longden - Part Time (Y2):
What makes effective Advanced Nursing Practitioners, for whom, under what circumstances and why?
2nd Supervisor
Laura Makey - Part Time (Y1):
A realist evaluation of community based support services for people living with HIV
2nd Supervisor
John Downey - Part Time (Y2):
Exercise referral schemes: A realist evaluation.
Methods advisor