Prof. Eric Jensen
Professor Jensen is a social scientist and research impact expert with a PhD from the University of Cambridge in sociology. He is a doctoral research supervisor for the University of Oxford and a visiting researcher at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois. He is co-founder of the Institute for Methods Innovation, the non-profit organization dedicated to evidence-based research impact that runs Fast Track Impact.
Jensen was a sociology professor at the University of Warwick from 2010-2025, where he led courses on public and policy engagement, audience research, science and technology studies, environmental sociology and social research methods (including quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, research ethics and research impact).
In addition to publishing research in leading academic journals on topics relating to research impact, Professor Jensen has served as a trusted advisor, trainer and consultant for many of the world’s leading research institutions, research funders and public policy bodies. He has trained over 25,000 researchers, policy and impact professionals.
Professor Jensen has delivered hundreds of training workshops on evidence‑based engagement and impact evaluation. He consults on public and policy engagement, impact evaluation, responsible research and innovation, ethics, REF impact, and strategic impact planning.
Funded projects
Professor Jensen has directed or co‑directed more than 120 research, evaluation, and impact projects, securing more than US$17 million for his institutions (total project value more than $65 million). His roles span study design, data collection strategy, ethics and data management, participatory process design, theory of change, stakeholder research and engagement and the translation of findings into societal impact.
His work on evidence-based research impact has been funded by the US National Science Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Dana Foundation, European Commission (Horizon), Wellcome Trust, Research Ireland / Science Foundation Ireland, UK Research and Innovation (AHRC, ESRC, NERC), multiple UK government departments (including Defra, DCMS), Nuffield Foundation, Arts Council England, Disney Conservation Fund, Abbott Fund, Microsoft, the German government (BMBF), the UN Environment Programme and UNESCO, amongst many others.
Publications
Professor Jensen has authored 200+ peer‑reviewed articles (3,000+ citations) in outlets such as PLOS ONE, Public Understanding of Science, Nature Scientific Data, PNAS, and Nature and commissioned reports for policy institutions such as UNESCO, the UN Environment Programme, Scottish Government, UK Government and the European Space Agency.
Academic and professional background
- Professor of sociology at the University of Warwick from 2010 to 2025, leading courses in public and policy engagement, environmental sociology and social research methods.
- Doctoral research supervisor at the University of Oxford.
- Visiting research scientist at the University of Illinois, National Center for Supercomputing Applications.
- PhD in sociology from the University of Cambridge, focusing on public engagement with science and technology.
