Mariela Neagu

Mariela Neagu is a Research Fellow at the Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, and a member of the Institute for Children’s Futures. She holds a doctorate in Social Sciences and a master’s in International Human Rights Law from New College, University of Oxford. Her research focuses on identity, wellbeing theories (including recognition theory and the Capability Approach), children’s rights, and the ethics of care. She employs a multi-disciplinary approach combining sociology, psychology, and human rights frameworks to explore youth well-being in contemporary societies.

• Past roles include Head of the National Authority for Children’s Rights in Romania and Policy Officer for the European Commission in Romania, overseeing child protection system reforms.
• Co-founder of the Oxford Children’s Rights Network.
• Contributed to the European Commission’s Guidelines for school leaders on wellbeing and mental health.

Her book Voices from the Silent Cradles critically examines alternative care systems (children’s homes, foster care, adoption) through the lived experiences of young people. She actively engages in policy development and academic outreach, bridging theoretical research with practical interventions in child welfare.