Winners

Depression Detectives

Depression Detectives was an online, citizen science project, where people with lived experience of depression and data scientists co-produced a small research project. They found that most people who self-report depression, have no mention of it in their GP records. This has implications for data scientists, doctors and policymakers. Dr Iona Beange.

Attaining Equity of Access to Research

The ATtaining EQUity of Access TO Research (At The EQUATOR) programme uses community engagement and involvement to ensure fair inclusion of diverse people in clinical research, with a specific focus on pregnant and breastfeeding women and their babies. We also aim to ensure all community-facing information is accessible and clear. Catriona Waitt.

Inclusive Early Childhood Service System project

Through a longitudinal institutional ethnography this project examines structural and intersectional ableism in health, education and social services. Young disabled children are underrepresented in disability discourse, and overwhelmingly are in services that aim to cure rather than affirm positive disability identity. This project presents disability affirming early care and intervention. Kathryn Underwood.

RISE Study ("Resist, Intervene, Support, Empower")

To address the high levels of violence and poverty among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Brazil, we partnered with local organizations to develop the RISE app - it maps and reports violence, offering 24/7 crisis support. Micro Rainbow International offers low-income SGM individuals entrepreneurship training, boosting their socio-economic status, self-confidence, and mental health. Monica Malta.

Writing history with your vaginal microbiome and the Isala Sisterhood

The Isala project is world’s largest citizen science project on women’s health and aims to map the female microbiome for better diagnostics, therapeutics and preventive care. Isala is also dedicated to break taboos on intimate health; promote interdisciplinary science; inform the general public about women’s health; and build a vibrant community to close the health equity gap. Sarah Ahannach.

The Dignity Project

The Dignity Project, led by Dr Kelsey Chapman, collects data with citizen scientists with disability to design dignified services and systems, enhancing health outcomes and equity. Using a bespoke digital engagement platform, the project uses storytelling to ensure inclusive and impactful research is driven by more than 700 people with lived experience. Kelsey Chapman.

Okawimaw Kanosimowin: Mother's Bundle

The Okawimaw Kanosimowin: Mother’s Bundle project, led by Drs. JoLee Sasakamoose and Mamata Pandey, enhances maternal and birth outcomes for pregnant Indigenous women in Saskatchewan. By integrating cultural teachings, peer support, evidence-based care, and community partnerships, the project improves healthcare access and strengthens cultural connections. JoLee Sasakamoose.

Profiling the Determinants of Long COVID 

Within their research, they enrich all aspects of the research process with the lived experience of patients and make sure that they ask and answer the questions that matter to those who continue to be impacted by Long COVID. The research is designed and conducted with patients, for the benefit of the entire Long COVID community. Mark Faghy.

Feasibility of COVID-19 Self-Testing in Refugee Learning Centres (FOSTER Project)

The FOSTER study explored the feasibility of a school-based COVID-19 self-testing program in Malaysian Refugee Learning Centres, prioritizing marginalized refugee communities. The study demonstrated how tailored, community-led interventions and multisectoral collaboration can overcome barriers, highlighting the potential for inclusive health interventions in underserved populations, especially during a pandemic. Sharuna Verghis.

HEAlth caRe needs of the Deaf (HEARD)

A mobile app addressing the barriers deaf individuals face when accessing healthcare due to low health literacy and limited communication options. Uma Palanisamy, Monash University, Malaysia.

Canadian Collaboration for Immigrant and Refugee Health: Power of Sharing Newcomer Stories Program

Student leaders using teamwork and intersectoral collaboration to support newly arriving refugee families supporting inclusion and future health equity research. Kevin Pottie, Western University, Canada.

More Than a Pill: Producing the story of adherence to ART for young women living with perinatal HIV

A documentary and artistic exhibition to spark conversations around how environments can help young women living with perinatal infections of HIV to thrive. Lynn Hendricks, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Caring for Carers: a psychosocial supervision intervention for mental health practitioners

A project that evaluates a clinical supervision program for mental health and psychosocial support practitioners working with displaced Syrians in Northwest Syria and Türkiye, and Rohingya in Bangladesh. Ruth Wells, University of New South Wales, Australia.

Māori and Bipolar Disorder Research Project

A project that utilised a Kaupapa Māori, multi-methodology research design in partnership with three mental health service sites to explore the health profile, needs, and systemic factors impacting the wellbeing of Māori with bipolar disorder. Tracy Haitana, Department of Māori Indigenous Health Innovation (MIHI), University of Otago, New Zealand.

HEARS: Hearing Health Equity through Accessible Research & Solutions

The HEARS research team is committed to making hearing care affordable and accessible through public health-driven approaches. The team is a partnership of community organizations, older adults, clinicians, and researchers with a shared vision of ensuring all older adults have the tools they need to age well. Carrie Nieman, Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center for Hearing & Public Health and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States.

TIBA (Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa) Partnership

Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) is a health research partnership that brings together leading researchers in 9 African countries and the UK. Our agenda is Africa-led; we work in Africa for Africa. TIBA has changed policy and practice improving how health systems respond to infectious diseases across the continent. Francisca Mutapi, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Missing Billion Report: Reimagining Health System

The 2022 Missing Billion report builds out the evidence-base that people with disabilities are being excluded in health, leading to a staggering 10-20 life expectancy gap. It presents a new vision of inclusive health informed by the perspectives of over 400 people with disabilities and a roadmap for global health stakeholders to achieve this vision. The report was co-authored by the Missing Billion Initiative and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Research lead professor Hannah Kuper, the Missing Billion Initiative, United Kingdom.