Ellen MacEachen

Ellen MacEachen is a Professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. Her research examines the design and performance of work and health systems to identify how they can be improved and adapted to fast changing economic, social and technological environments of our global economy. She specialises in qualitative research methods and her research is informed by a critical sociological lens.

Dr. MacEachen is particularly interested in health risks and opportunities of new forms of work, such as the gig economy and telework. She has a special interest in vulnerable workers and the growth of precarious employment. Her edited book, “The Science and Politics of Work Disability Policy” provides an international picture of social security systems, work and health. She has won awards for her occupational health research, most recently an Honorary Doctorate degree by Mid-Sweden University awarded in 2024.

Dr. MacEachen has held numerous leadership roles, including Director of the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, President of the Canadian Association for Research on Work and Health, leadership with the Work Disability Prevention CIHR Strategic Training Program, and advisor to international bodies such as the HELIX Competence Centre in Sweden. She sits on the Labour Market Information Expert Panel for the Labour Market Information Council of Canada, a federal advisory committee that provides independent advice on labour market policy and practice.

Publications