Personal profile
Biography
Dr. Turner’s research centers around sexual well-being, specifically relational and sexual satisfaction. The goal of his research is to prevent sexual health inequity and improve sexual health outcomes for minoritized populations. George’s scholarship focuses on three lines of enquiry: 1) addressing foundational gaps in how social work conceptualize a sexuality-informed practice lens, 2) how we move to develop community driven approaches to sexual wellbeing that address the complexity of intersecting marginalized identities, 3) shaping policy and practice to advance both sexual justice and effective interventions impacting human connections.
In 2025, Dr. Turner was the recipient of the World Association of Sexual Health award for Excellence & Innovation in Sexuality Education; this prestigious recognition highlights significant accomplishments towards: a) innovative concepts, b) pedagogical framework, c) overcoming cultural, religious, family and institutional barriers, and d) program relevance. Additionally, his educational leadership was further acknowledged earlier in 2025 (Jan) with his award as a Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy granted by @AdvanceHE. The award demonstrates a sustained record of pedagogical leadership in effective & inclusive education & learning practices that influence academic systems of teaching delivery.
Related links
Qualifications
Master of Social Work (Research), University of Kansas
Doctor of Philosophy, Widener University
Master of Education, Widener University
Research keywords
- qualitative methods
- sexuality
- social work education
- Practice
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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SDG 5 Gender Equality
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SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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A social work field education placement in sexual wellness: proposed key competencies
Turner, G. W., North, R. & Drake, G., 2026, (E-pub ahead of print (In Press)) In: Social Work Education. 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)1 Downloads (Pure) -
Expanding Social Work Field Education: Illuminating a Sexual Wellness Practicum Site Through Collaborative Auto-Ethnography
Turner, G. W., Derusha, K., Meyers, L., Snyder, B., Gray, A., Durham, J. & Asby, M., 2026, (E-pub ahead of print (In Press)) In: Affilia - Feminist Inquiry in Social Work.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
A qualitative exploration of nursing and social work university students' experiences of sexual and reproductive health and rights education in Australia and Hong Kong
Klinner, C., Turner, G., Bloomfield, J., Spencer, M., Lovell, R., van Diggele, C., Choi, E. P. H., Wong, J. Y. H., Cui, J., Nugent, C., Chow, H., Wong, A. S. M., Roberts, S. J., Lin, J. Y. T., Fontaine, C. & Wong, H. T. H., 2025, In: Sex Education. 25, 5, p. 713-727 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access3 Citations (Scopus) -
Mentoring social work adjunct educators: A collaborative autoethnography provides a blueprint for support
Turner, G. W., Chhetry, D. S. & Round, R., Jul 2024, In: International Social Work. 67, 4, p. 989-1003 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access1 Citation (Scopus) -
Positioning sexual justice within social work teaching on human rights: countering contemporary sexuality oppression
Turner, G. W., 2024, In: Social Work Education. 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile6 Citations (Scopus)44 Downloads (Pure)
Projects
- 2 Finished
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Podcasting as a social work pedagogic strategy for complex, taboo, and intimate topics
Turner, G. (PI) & Joseph, B. (Investigator)
Australian and New Zealand Social Work and Welfare Education and Research
1/03/24 → 30/06/24
Project: Research
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Queer and disabled: An intimate look at a sex positive art project
Turner, G. (PI)
1/04/21 → 1/06/24
Project: Research
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Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) (Event)
Turner, G. (Other)
1 Jan 2016 → …Activity: Membership › Society
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Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) (Event)
Turner, G. (Other)
1 Jan 2016 → …Activity: Membership › Council
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Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (Event)
Turner, G. (Other)
1 Jan 2013 → …Activity: Membership › Society
Press/Media
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Social Worker’s Potential as Sexuality Experts with Dr. George Turner
1/05/23
1 Media contribution
Press/Media
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Client Sexuality is Social Work: A human rights conversation on sexual health and pleasure
27/01/20
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
Prizes
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2025 World Association of Sexual Health Award for Excellence & Innovation in Sexuality Education
Turner, G. (Recipient), 16 Jun 2025
Prize: Honorary award
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Outstanding Dissertation Award, Center for Education, Widener University
Turner, G. (Recipient), 1 Sept 2012
Prize: Honorary award
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Pat B. Koch Award for Research Publication in Sexuality, Widener University
Turner, G. (Recipient), 1 Sept 2015
Prize: Honorary award