Raf Benato

Raf Benato is a Senior Lecturer and Lead for Teaching Excellence in the Health Services Research and Management Division at City, University of London's School of Health Sciences. They hold a Senior Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy and have led major educational initiatives including the BSc Health and Social Care program and international collaborations in Russia, Croatia, Greece, and Sweden. Their research focuses on transgender health, queer methodologies, and migration's impact on health, with active partnerships in Togo and Sweden. Raf co-chairs the University’s LGBTQI+ Staff Network and contributed to the TIGNC policy framework, receiving awards for teaching excellence and EDI work. They teach modules on commissioning, public health policy, and interprofessional practice, and have pioneered innovative educational tools like the Public Health History Walk. Raf’s professional activities include organizational auditing, community mentorship, and global health partnerships with institutions like the Karolinska Institute.

• Education: MSc Primary Care (QMUL), PG Cert Academic Practice (City), BSc Applied Social Science (London Metropolitan)
• Professional Roles: Co-Chair LGBTQI+ Staff Network, Community Link Lecturer, Erasmus Lead

Research Interests: Raf’s work explores transgender health equity, intersectional research methods, and health policy reform. Their transnational projects address migrant health challenges through Erasmus collaborations, while local initiatives in Togo focus on nursing education capacity-building. Key themes include non-binary identity in academia, LGBTQ+ sexual health, and feminist critiques of healthcare systems.

Awards: 2018 Rector’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Athena SWAN Equality Award (2018), multiple shortlistings for VC Awards, and Health Has Got Talent recognition for community projects.

Teaching & Grants: Raf developed the interprofessional teaching practice model placing students in general practices and secured funding for Togo educational partnerships. They mentor staff and students across City’s Health Sciences division, emphasizing inclusive pedagogy and community engagement.

Collaborations: Active partnerships with Linkoping University (Sweden), University of Athens (Greece), and the Karolinska Institute. Leads a Togolese teacher training initiative with the Togolese Embassy.