Associate ProfessorLouisa Smith

I love coming to work because of the rich relationships that I make in my teaching and research, and because of the time I get to think and write deeply. My research and teaching focusses on the sociology of disability and dementia. I'm deeply committed to using creative and arts based methods in my research. If you're looking to do postgraduate study, please look at the Teaching section below.

I'm a qualitative social researcher in disability, dementia and complex support needs. I have a particular interest in research that actively develops supports for those who are most socially isolated, including people living with dementia and/or disability who are gender and/or sexuality diversity, live in large residential accommodation or are from refugee backgrounds. My research works across the disciplines of sociology, disability and dementia studies and policy studies, with a particular focus on inclusive and participatory methodologies. My current program of research focusses on Participatory Action Research approaches to co-develop and co-design resources to support people with disabilities and dementia and complex support needs.