Melanie Nind

Melanie Nind is a Professor of Education at the University of Southampton, holding roles as Deputy Director of the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership and Co-Director of the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods. She specializes in qualitative/inclusive research methodology, pedagogy, and social justice frameworks, particularly regarding learning disabilities and autism. Nind’s research explores inclusive education, research methods innovation, and the impact of societal changes like the shift from institutional care to community-based living.

• Affiliations: ESRC National Centre for Research Methods, Centre for Research in Inclusion
• Editorial roles: Editor-in-Chief of British Journal of Learning Disabilities, former editor of International Journal of Research & Method in Education

Education Background: Began as a teacher in special schools, then moved to further and higher education roles, including associate research fellow at the University of Hertfordshire and senior lecturer at Oxford Brookes University. Joined the University of Southampton in 2004 as a Reader and became a Professor in 2007.

Research Interests: Focuses on inclusive research methodologies, pedagogy in research methods education, and the lived experiences of individuals with learning disabilities. Current projects address belonging in inclusive spaces, quality in participatory research, and post-pandemic research practices.

Publications & Awards: Over 150 peer-reviewed articles and books. Honors include an Honorary Doctorate from VID Norway (2019), Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (2019), and Gold Membership in the Asian Qualitative Research Association (2020).

Grants & Advising: Leads ESRC-funded projects such as the National Centre for Research Methods (2020–2024). Supervises PhD students focused on inclusive education and disability studies.

Labs/Teams: Active in the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods and collaborates with international networks to advance inclusive research practices.