Dr Simon Carter

Professional biography

I originally was a research chemist working in the automotive industry and then in environmental protection. After studying at the Open University, I returned to full time higher education to complete a PhD at Lancaster University.  After this, I worked at the MRC Medical Sociology Unit, Glasgow University, where I spent a period on secondment to the MRC Public Communications Group in London.  This was followed by a period working as a medical sociologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.  In 2005 I took up a post in the Department of Sociology at the Open University.

Research interests

I have research interests in Science and Technology Studies especially as applied to issues of health and medicine. I conducted a historical study examining the cultural turn towards the sun and sunlight in early twentieth-century Europe.  This research provides an analysis of the roles that sunlight played in the mediation of such notions as health, pleasure, the body, gender and class. I also have conducted research into critical approaches to the public understanding of science as applied to health issues. I have research interests in the impact of wearables and digital health.​

Teaching interests

I was the Chair of the production and presentation of the new 2nd-level sociology module, 'Understanding Digital Societies' (DD218). I contributed to the new 3rd-level sociology module, 'Social theory: changing social worlds' (DD318). I am currently the Co-Chair of the 3rd-level sociology module 'Principles of Social Research: sociology special project module (D328) – planned for October 2025.

Impact and engagement

I am The Managing Editor of the BSA-funded "Cost of Living Blog" about-about the politics, economics and sociology of health in times of austerity.

External collaborations

I am currently the Co-Convener of the BSA Medical Sociology Group, one of the largest BSA  study groups. Together with the other Co-Convener (Hillary Collins) and the study group committee, we are responsible for managing and organising the annual BSA Medical Sociology Conference.