Meet the Team: Amyn, Head of Research and Delivery

Tell us a bit about yourself (and your current role) and your journey in the disability space.

I am a research-driven professional with a deep commitment to social justice, human rights, and ethics, particularly in the context of disability inclusion. My career has been shaped by a belief that equity and dignity should be at the core of global development, ensuring that no one is left behind.

As the Head of Research and Delivery at GDI Hub, I lead research and programmatic initiatives focused on disability-inclusive development, assistive technology, inclusive urban design, and climate change. I collaborate with policymakers, funders, and research institutions to generate evidence that informs real-world solutions.

My journey into the disability space was driven by a passion for evidence-based policymaking and ethical research. I have worked across diverse fields, from health and education to climate resilience, always integrating rigorous research methodologies with participatory approaches to ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities are central to decision-making. My experience spans global organizations such as CBM, Leonard Cheshire, UCL having worked on projects with UNESCO, the World Bank, and FCDO where I have designed and led research that influences policy and improves access to services for marginalized populations.

A significant part of my career was shaped at Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, where I specialized in research design, ethics, and governance. I led large-scale randomized controlled trials and observational studies, ensuring that research met the highest scientific and ethical standards. This experience provided me with a strong foundation in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, which I now apply to disability inclusion research at GDI Hub.

What is your advice to those aspiring to enter this field?

1. Disability-inclusive research and policy require both technical expertise and a deep ethical commitment to human rights and equity. My advice to those entering the field is:
2. Commit to ethical and inclusive research – Research in disability inclusion should be co-designed with persons with disabilities. Ethical considerations around participation, consent, and data representation are critical.
3. Understand the intersectionality of disability – Disability inclusion is not a siloed issue; it intersects with poverty, gender, climate change, education, and employment. A systems-thinking approach will help you design impactful solutions.
4. Advocate for social justice – This field is ultimately about equity and human rights. Whether you are working in policy, research, or programme design, always ensure that your work challenges systemic barriers and promotes dignity.
5. Develop strong research and analytical skills – A solid grounding in research design, data analysis, and evaluation methodologies will help produce evidence that influences policies and programmes at scale.

And above all, be willing to listen and learn from the disability community, as they are the real experts in their lived experiences.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role at GDI Hub?

The most rewarding aspect of my role at GDI Hub is the ability to bridge research with real-world impact - turning evidence into policies and interventions that advance social justice and disability rights.

I also take great pride in designing rigorous, ethical research that informs decision-making. My background in research design and governance, particularly from my time at Royal Marsden, has been invaluable in ensuring that our studies uphold the highest standards of validity, inclusivity, and ethical integrity.

Beyond research, I find fulfilment in mentoring and empowering my team, fostering an environment where researchers and practitioners can develop solutions that challenge inequities and drive meaningful change.

What exciting projects are you working on?

At GDI Hub, I am leading and contributing to several key initiatives:

• Disability-Inclusive Climate Action – Investigating how climate change disproportionately affects persons with disabilities and advocating for inclusive resilience strategies.
• Assistive Technology & Innovation – Researching ways to scale access to assistive technology globally, ensuring affordability and availability for those who need it most.
• Inclusive Cities & Urban Accessibility – Collaborating with global partners to create cities that are accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.
• Ethical Frameworks for Disability Research – Developing guidelines to ensure that disability research is participatory, rights-based, and ethically sound, drawing on my experience in research governance.

These projects reflect a commitment to justice, rights, and evidence-based policymaking, ensuring that the most marginalized communities have a voice in shaping policies and interventions.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned during your time here?

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that inclusion is not just a policy or a programme - it’s a fundamental principle that must shape how we think, design, and act. True disability inclusion requires structural, and systems change, not just incremental adjustments.

I’ve also seen the importance of co-designing research and interventions with the disability community. Research and policies that exclude the lived experiences of persons with disabilities risk being ineffective, or worse, reinforcing existing inequalities. My background in research ethics and governance has reinforced the need for informed consent, representation, and accountability in all aspects of disability research and advocacy.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that social justice and equity must be at the core of every initiative. Whether we are addressing accessibility, education, employment, or health, we must actively dismantle barriers that exclude persons with disabilities from full participation in society.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?

Outside of work, I am deeply engaged in reading and discussions on ethics, human rights, and social justice. My academic background in contemporary ethics and bioethics continues to inform my approach to disability inclusion and global development.

I also enjoy strategic foresight and future thinking, exploring how emerging trends—such as technology, climate change, and economic shifts—will impact disability inclusion in the years ahead.

Beyond academia and research, I spend a considerable time working in my religious community mentoring young professionals interested in disability research and social justice, supporting the next generation of changemakers. I also love traveling and experiencing diverse cultures, which has given me a global perspective on accessibility and inclusion.