SPARK holds research showcase on disability
25 April 2025
On April 8 SPARK hosted a Research Showcase on disability, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and partner organisations to spotlight Cardiff University’s cross-disciplinary work in the field of disability and inclusion.
The event, held at sbarc|spark, was delivered in collaboration with Disability Wales, the British Deaf Association (BDA), Professor Debbie Foster (Cardiff Business School), and the Cardiff Interdisciplinary Network on Disability (CIND).
It created a vibrant space for reflection, knowledge sharing, and policy dialogue – all rooted in the ethos of co-production, lived experience, and social justice.
A Day of Ideas, Voices and Impact
The showcase opened with a keynote address by Professor Debbie Foster, Co-Chair of the Welsh Government’s Disability Rights Taskforce, who shared insight into her research and the development of the Disability Rights Action Plan, out for public consultation this Spring.
This was followed by a contribution from Rhian Davies, CEO of Disability Wales, who explored how co-producing research with disabled people can transform the relevance and reach of academic work.
Participants then enjoyed a series of lightning talks, pre-recorded presentations, and posters from researchers from across Cardiff University including Schools of Social Sciences, Computer Science and Informatics, Medicine, Psychology and Business. The showcase covered a wide range of topics, connected to the Taskforce Subgroups, including:
- Disabled Children and Young People
- Employment & Income
- Access to Justice
- Accessible Transport
- Housing
- Independent Living and Social Care
- Independent Living, Health and Wellbeing
- Communications and Public Services (including Technology)
The Taskforce Subgroup Chairs present – Damian Bridgeman, Willow Holloway, Angharad Price, Joe Powell and Natasha Hirst plus Debbie and Rhian – then reflected on the inputs relating to their theme.
The day concluded with inputs from a panel of Taskforce Chairs and policymakers to explore the future of disability-related research in Wales, and how academia and government can work more closely to advance the rights of disabled people.
Community Collaboration at the Core
The success of the event was made possible through the collaboration of a committed group of partners and contributors. Special thanks go to colleagues from SPARK, Disability Wales, BDA, Cardiff Business School, and the growing CIND network, who played vital roles in shaping the programme and advertising the event, as well as to the DRT Subgroup Chairs who shared their expertise on the day.
This SPARK Research Showcase event enabled us, through such collaboration, to bring together a dynamic community of academics, partners and policy makers to share and learn about a rich body of research on disability and its potential for real-world impact. The spirit of the day was one of shared curiosity, openness to collaboration and creativity in approach and it felt like important new connections were made.
What’s Next?
The event has sparked renewed momentum for research, engagement and impact in the field of disability. We look forward to continuing these important conversations at SPARK and across Cardiff University, in collaboration with our partners and the wider disability community.
If you’d like to know more or get involved in future activities, please contact: skeelsa@cardiff.ac.uk
