Amy M Russell

Dr Amy M Russell is an Associate Professor at the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds. Her work focuses on addressing health inequalities with a focus on disability, mental health, and chronic disease management. She holds a Wellcome Trust Fellowship and has led projects funded by NIHR, AHRC, and others. Her research includes global health equity initiatives, such as contributing to the WHO Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities (2022).

Education:

• PhD in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies (University of Leeds, 2010)
• MA Religion and Public Life (2005)
• BA Theology & Religious Studies and English Literature (2002)

Research Themes:

1. Health Inequalities in Applied Settings: Leads RCTs and intervention studies, including the OK-Diabetes project to improve diabetes care for adults with learning disabilities. Recent projects include the REMAIN and EDICT initiatives.
2. Cultural/Social Inequalities: Examines gender-based violence, human trafficking, and post-conflict reintegration (e.g., Sierra Leone fieldwork). Current work explores faith-based healthcare provision and cultural stigma.

Key Collaborations:

• WHO Disability Team (2021–2022)
• NICE and Diabetes UK
• Leeds Community Healthcare Trust

Awards:

• Wellcome Trust Fellowship (4 years)
• NIHR HS&DR Grant
• Health Foundation Funding

Advisory Roles:

• Portuguese Government on FGM in migrant populations
• Public Health Leeds on faith-based health initiatives

Labs/Teams: Co-leads the Leeds Institute’s Athena Swan initiative and supervises Doctorate in Clinical Psychology students.