Elaine Sharland is Professor of Social Work Research at the University of Sussex. She has an extensive track record of research and publication in the fields of child and family social work, risk and child protection, and in the development of research and review methodologies, research capacity and impact.

Elaine has many years’ experience of research management and leadership, locally, nationally and internationally. As Director of the SCIE Registered Provider of Knowledge Reviews at Sussex (2008-12) she was instrumental in pioneering the development of systematic reviews in social work.

She led the development of research strategies for UK social work and social care both as ESRC Strategic Adviser (2008-10) and as Co-Chair of the JUCSWEC Research Committee (2011-15), and she is currently a member of the Research Excellence Framework 2021 Sub-Panel for Social Policy and Social Work. Internationally, Elaine co-founded the European Social Work Research Association, and was its Chair 2016-18.