Helen Atherton

Dr Helen Atherton is a Nursing Lecturer and nurse historian at the University of Leeds' School of Healthcare (Faculty of Medicine and Health). She is a qualified nurse for people with learning disabilities and co-editor of the textbook Learning Disabilities: Towards Inclusion. Her research focuses on the social history of people with learning disabilities, including oral history projects and educational animations. She leads initiatives like Finding Ivy - A Life Worthy of Life, addressing historical atrocities and contemporary eugenic thinking. She collaborates internationally on research about British prisoners of war in Nazi experiments, featured in BBC podcasts.

• Education: Doctorate in eugenic attitudes among healthcare professionals

Her work bridges historical analysis and modern practice, emphasizing ethical care for marginalized groups. She actively engages in public discourse via media appearances and educational resources.

Grants and partnerships include collaborations with international academic teams and organizations producing educational materials. She co-leads projects that combine historical commemoration with critical social reflection.