Anna Smirnova

Anna Smirnova is a Creative Health Associate at the Allied Health, Social Work & Wellbeing school. She holds a PhD in Sociology from Saint Petersburg State University (2013), an MSc in Social Work (2000), and a PhD in Arts-based Peacebuilding (ongoing). She is affiliated with the Research Centre for Arts and Wellbeing.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, Saint Petersburg State University (2010–2013)
• MSc in Social Work, Saint Petersburg State University (1995–2000)
• PhD in Arts-based Peacebuilding, ongoing (2021–present)

Her research focuses on youth engagement in peacebuilding, arts-based methodologies, and social policy. Key interests include youth identity, social work professionalization in Russia, and international conflict resolution through arts. Recent projects include Arts4Us (2024–2027) and Mobile Arts for Peace (2020–2024).

Grants & Projects:

• Arts4Us: Scaling arts initiatives for youth mental health (2024–2027)
• Mobile Arts for Peace: Informing national peacebuilding policies (2020–2024)

Her work bridges sociology, arts, and policy, emphasizing participatory approaches to social change.