Ben is a qualitative and mixed methods researcher, with a particular interest in improving the care, self-management and mental health of people with long-term conditions, as well as in advancements in qualitative research methods. A central focus of his recent research is the quality of life and mental health needs of people with IBD and a stoma. Ben has published a number of research articles in this area in international peer-reviewed journals.

Having initially completed a PhD at Cardiff University in 2012, in which he explored young adults’ experiences of living with long-term conditions, with particular focus on IBD and Type 1 diabetes, Ben then worked as a researcher at the University of York in the field of traumatic brain injury between 2012-2014. He joined Keele University’s School of Medicine in 2014 as a Research Associate, becoming Lecturer in 2019 and Senior Lecturer in Health Research in 2023. He is also Co-Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Social Research Methodology.

Currently, Ben is Chief Investigator on the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded Stoma Support Study, in which he is working with young people with IBD and a stoma, a multidisciplinary group of health professionals, IBD/stoma charities, and web developers, to co-produce a digital resource to support the self-management of emotional distress experienced by young people following stoma surgery.

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