Dr Emma Parsons
- Research Associate (Mental Health & Wellbeing)
email:
Emma.Parsons@glasgow.ac.uk
pronouns:
She/her/hers
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4693-2172Biography
I completed my MSci in Biochemistry with Industrial Placement at the University of Aberdeen in 2019 and a MRC-DTP PhD in Precision Medicine at the University of Glasgow in 2024, under the supervision of Professor Joanne Edwards. I was awarded the School of Cancer Sciences Accomplishment in Academic Post-Graduate Research Training Prize, awarded to the best science PhD student.
I am a Research Associate and split my time across the School of Health & Wellbeing (supervised by Professor Katie Robb) and the School of Cancer Sciences (supervised by Professor Joanne Edwards and Dr Stephen McSorley). My research focuses on the role of socioeconomic deprivation in future adenoma/bowel cancer risk following bowel surveillance colonoscopy.
I lead the Glasgow Colorectal Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Group, which includes patient advocates, public contributors, a charity representative, clinicians and researchers. Our primary aim is to ensure that patient interests are prioritised throughout bowel cancer research.
I am the Public Engagement Champion for the School of Cancer Sciences and lead the Cancer Sciences Outreach Hub. This is a group who develop and deliver public engagement activities for several partners including local primary and secondary schools, Science Festivals and Glasgow Science Centre.
Research interests
Research groups
Publications
2026
Young, Ben, McSorley, Stephen T. 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5459-8445, Parsons, Emma C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4693-2172, Edwards, Joanne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7192-6906, Susanti, Susanti, Lynch, Gerard and Robb, Kathryn A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1672-0411
(2026)
Acceptability of postpolypectomy surveillance colonoscopy: a qualitative study of patients and healthcare professionals in Scotland.
Frontline Gastroenterology,
(doi: 10.1136/flgastro-2026-103687)
(Early Online Publication)
2025
Richmond, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8514-7030 and Parsons, Emma ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4693-2172
(2025)
Embedding PPIE training in postgraduate cancer research education.
Research Square,
(doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8347079/v1)
Mathews, C. et al. (2025) Retrospective cohort study: scope for improvement - barriers to post-polypectomy surveillance in the integrated technologies for improved polyp surveillance cohort. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 61(8), pp. 1381-1386. (doi: 10.1111/apt.18514) (PMID:39831571) (PMCID:PMC11950799)
2023
Parsons, Emma C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4693-2172, Baillie, George S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2469-6316 and Hoffmann, Ralf
(2023)
Revisiting the roles of cAMP signalling in the progression of prostate cancer.
Biochemical Journal, 480(20),
pp. 1599-1614.
(doi: 10.1042/BCJ20230297)
Articles
Young, Ben, McSorley, Stephen T. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5459-8445, Parsons, Emma C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4693-2172, Edwards, Joanne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7192-6906, Susanti, Susanti, Lynch, Gerard and Robb, Kathryn A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1672-0411
(2026)
Acceptability of postpolypectomy surveillance colonoscopy: a qualitative study of patients and healthcare professionals in Scotland.
Frontline Gastroenterology,
(doi: 10.1136/flgastro-2026-103687)
(Early Online Publication)
Richmond, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8514-7030 and Parsons, Emma ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4693-2172
(2025)
Embedding PPIE training in postgraduate cancer research education.
Research Square,
(doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8347079/v1)
Mathews, C. et al. (2025) Retrospective cohort study: scope for improvement - barriers to post-polypectomy surveillance in the integrated technologies for improved polyp surveillance cohort. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 61(8), pp. 1381-1386. (doi: 10.1111/apt.18514) (PMID:39831571) (PMCID:PMC11950799)
Parsons, Emma C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4693-2172, Baillie, George S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2469-6316 and Hoffmann, Ralf
(2023)
Revisiting the roles of cAMP signalling in the progression of prostate cancer.
Biochemical Journal, 480(20),
pp. 1599-1614.
(doi: 10.1042/BCJ20230297)
Teaching
I teach on several courses within the MSc Cancer Research & Precision Oncology and MSc Precision Medicine (Cancer specialism) programmes. I also supervise undergraduate students and postgraduate researchers.
I received a Student Partnership Impact Award from the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) in 2023 in recognition of my impact relating to Educational Development. I also earned Recognising Excellence in Teaching Associate Fellowship (RET AF) in 2024.
Professional activities & recognition
Prizes, awards & distinctions
- 2023/24: Accomplishment in Academic PGR Training Prize – Winner (School of Cancer Sciences)
Professional & learned societies
- 2024 - present: Member, The British Association for Cancer Research (BACR)
- 2024 - present: Member, The European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
External engagement
Exhibition
- 2026 (Concluded): Various Cancer Research Activities | Event Organiser | International Day of Women and Girls in Science Event at Local Girlguiding Units
- 2026 (Concluded): Various Cancer Research Activities | Event Organiser | International Day of Women and Girls in Science Event at Local Girlguiding Units
- 2025 (Concluded): Various Cancer Research Activities | Event Organiser | International Day of Women and Girls in Science Event at Local Girlguiding Units
- 2025 (Concluded): Various Cancer Research Activities | Event Organiser | International Day of Women and Girls in Science Event at Local Girlguiding Units
- 2025 (Concluded): Mighty Microbes | Tabletop activity on gut health | Multiple Glasgow Science Centre Meet the Expert events
- 2024 (Concluded): Polyp Patrol | Tabletop activity on bowel cancer | Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre 10 Year Celebration Open Evening
Festivals
- 2026 (Concluded): Mighty Microbes | Tabletop activity on gut health | Explorathon 2026
- 2025 (Concluded): Poop, Polyps and Pathology | Invited speaker | Glasgow Science Festival: A Body of Science event
- 2024 (Concluded): Polyp Patrol | Tabletop activity on bowel cancer | Explorathon 2024
