Francesca Hearn-Yeates

Francesca is a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh, researching the relationship between diet and pain in endometriosis under the supervision of Professors Andrew Horne and Philippa Saunders. Her research investigates the impact of diet on the gut microbiome, and how this can influence pain via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Francesca grew up in Brighton before studying for her Biochemistry undergraduate degree at University College London and her Masters of Research at Imperial College London. She then spent three years as a Research Technician in a microbiology laboratory at the University of Sussex before moving to Scotland. Francesca loves the outdoors, and in her spare time, she is a keen cyclist and runner.

Alongside her research she is being trained in science communication and public engagement via taught courses and hands-on experience. She has recently pioneered a project ‘The Wandering Womb’, an interactive exhibit where people can share their experiences of menstruation and learn about different menstrual health conditions. The Wandering Womb was launched in June 2024 and has already been highly successful, with additional requests from schools and festivals for The Wandering Womb to make an appearance.

She has also taken part in the Edinburgh International Science Festival, written articles for endometriosis.org and Research The Headlines, and hosted a podcast. She runs an Instagram account, @the.endometriosis.phd sharing endometriosis research in lay terminology and attempting to make the field more accessible.