Dr John Franklin is a Senior Lecturer in Research Methods and has been at Teesside University since 2009. He specialises in the design and teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate modules in research methods, evidence-based practice and data analysis, with a strong emphasis on both quantitative and qualitative research approaches.

John's academic background is in sports medicine, with a specific research focus on chronic fatigue and evidence synthesis methodologies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The research John undertook for his PhD explored the relationship between physical activity and myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, John leads several key modules, including Developing Research Projects and Dissertation modules across various health-related programs. He also serves as a personal tutor for students across the allied health department in the school of health and life sciences.

John’s publication record includes peer-reviewed articles on the physiological impacts of ME/CFS and the application of muscle injury classification in sports medicine. His research is regularly presented at national and international conferences, and he plays a significant role in collaborative projects across several universities and healthcare institutions.

As the Course Leader for the MRes Clinical Research and PGCert Evidence-Based Medicine and Clinical Research programs, and the Chair of Teesside University’s Early Career Research forum, John is committed to advancing both the academic and practical applications of research methods in health sciences.

John is actively engaged in a wide range of research projects, including:

Wearable Technology and Chronic Fatigue: Leading studies on the use of heart rate variability (HRV) and wearable devices to manage symptoms in people with ME/CFS, in collaboration with international experts.

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Contributing to multiple systematic reviews, including those on the impact of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in emergency settings and the effectiveness of pain science education.

Current PhD/ doctoral students

Helen Lloyd (Director of studies) – Carbohydrate loading and neck of femur fracture patients

Dan Lin (Director of Studies) – ‘Combined action observation and motor imagery as a novel method for post-stroke rehabilitation’

Jit Pun (2^nd supervisor) – Exploring ethnic minority groups and pain science education

Kirsty Jones (2^nd supervisor) – ‘Talking about Sex and Intimacy Post-Stroke: An Exploration of Stroke Survivors' and Health Professionals’ Perceptions and Needs’