Unlock the Power of Inclusive Research and Practice

Meet the EDIRA Academy Founder

Hello, I’m Dr Sondra Butterworth — a community psychologist, mixed methods researcher, educator, and founder of EDIRA Academy. My work has always been rooted in listening to, learning from, and working alongside communities, particularly those whose voices are too often overlooked in healthcare, research, and public life. EDIRA Academy was not built by me alone. It has been shaped through meaningful relationships, lived experience, and the wisdom, challenge, and contribution of diverse communities who continue to inform and strengthen everything we do. Their insight is not an add-on; it is central to our success. That is what makes EDIRA Academy different — we value community knowledge as expertise and create space for people to learn, connect, and lead change together. With a deep commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive research, we created EDIRA Academy as a safe and empowering space for learning, reflection, and networking. Together, we are helping to transform how diversity, inclusion, and participation are understood and practised across healthcare, research, and beyond.