Julie Allan

Julie Allan is a Professor of Equity and Inclusion at the University of Birmingham's School of Education, formerly serving as Head of the School. Her work focuses on inclusive education, disability studies, and children’s rights, employing poststructural and social capital analyses. She advises governments (e.g., Scotland, Wales, Netherlands) and collaborates with the Council of Europe. A member of the European Educational Research Association (Honorary Network Member), her research bridges theory and practice, emphasizing socially just education systems.

Education:

• PhD (Stirling)
• BEd (Moray House, Edinburgh)
• BA (Hons)

Research Interests: Julie’s interdisciplinary work integrates critical theory with empirical studies, addressing systemic inequities in education. She explores how marginalized groups navigate institutional barriers, advocating for policy reforms rooted in equity. Recent projects highlight global perspectives on disability inclusion and socioemotional development in education.

Publications: Her 2023 book Students, teachers, families, and a socially just education challenges traditional schooling frameworks. Articles in International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education and European Journal of Inclusive Education emphasize discourse analysis and policy critique. Her work often bridges theory-practice gaps, offering actionable insights for educators and policymakers.

Awards:

• European Educational Research Association (EERA) Honorary Network Membership

Grants & Advising: Currently supervises doctoral students on topics like kinaesthetic education and FE cultures. Prospective students in inclusion/disability are encouraged. She has led projects funded by the Welsh Government, focusing on interventions for sensory-impaired students.

Labs & Teams: Associated with the School’s Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs, promoting collaborative research on equity, accessibility, and rights-based education.