Dr. Jamie Crowther | Criminology | United Kingdom
NHS research fellow | United Kingdom
Dr. Jamie Crowther is an applied researcher and evaluator specialising in qualitative and participatory research with a strong focus on youth justice, violence prevention, wellbeing, and the role of sport in social change. He has built a reputation for translating complex research into accessible outputs for policy makers and practitioners, and his work has directly informed national funding decisions and shaped guidance for government departments, local authorities, and national governing bodies.
Publication Profile
Scopus
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Educational Background
He holds a PhD in Criminology from Manchester Metropolitan University, where his thesis critically examined rugby union as a means of supporting positive youth development in the youth justice system. He also earned a Master’s by Research in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Coaching and Development, both from the University of Gloucestershire.
Professional Experience
Dr. Crowther is currently a Research Fellow at the Bradford Institute for Health Research, where he leads major applied research projects, including multi-million-pound initiatives such as the JU:MP Local Delivery Pilot and Age of Wonder Qualitative Longitudinal Research. He has previously worked as a Research Associate at the University of Glasgow, where he adapted family health programmes for prison contexts, and at Get the Data Ltd, where he evaluated youth justice reforms and institutional practices. Earlier in his career, he held roles in programme development and community management with Volunteering Matters, the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust, and Blueprint Pupil Referral Unit, designing and implementing community sport and wellbeing interventions.
Research Interests
His research interests lie in youth justice, positive youth development, masculinity and sport, violence prevention, participatory methodologies, qualitative longitudinal research, mixed-methods evaluation, and translating evidence into policy and practice tools.
Awards and Honors
He is a co-applicant and lead researcher on a prestigious MRC Public Health Intervention Development Grant for the project “Leaders Like Us,” which focuses on developing equitable physical activity leadership opportunities for young women and non-binary people from underserved groups. His research leadership has also contributed to large-scale funded projects, including multimillion-pound Sport England and public health initiatives.
Research Skills
Dr. Crowther’s core skills include the design and delivery of evaluations using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods; methodological leadership in participatory and realist-informed approaches; evidence synthesis; stakeholder engagement with government, third sector, and community partners; and the production of accessible outputs such as infographics, policy briefs, and toolkits. He is also highly experienced in training and mentoring colleagues and advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion in research practice.
Publications
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How to develop young physical activity leaders? A Delphi study
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Citation: 5
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Year: 2023
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Kicking crime into touch: an ethnographic exploration of rugby union as a vehicle for supporting Positive Youth Development in the youth justice system
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Citation: 4
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Year: 2023
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Taking a partnership approach to embed physical activity in local policy and practice: a Bradford District case study
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Citation: 3
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Year: 2025
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Adapting ripple effects mapping for evaluating public health initiatives in complex systems: reflections and recommendations from seven case studies
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Citation: 1
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Year: 2025
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Kicking Crime into Touch: Rugby
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Citation: 1
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Year: 2022
Conclusion
In summary, Dr. Jamie Crowther is an accomplished researcher whose work spans youth justice, health, and sport, underpinned by methodological innovation and a strong commitment to social impact. His ability to connect rigorous academic research with policy and practice has secured significant funding, influenced national decision-making, and empowered community-led approaches to wellbeing and development. He stands out as a leader in applied research with a proven record of advancing both knowledge and practice in meaningful ways.