Kiran Manku

I support the NeuroGenE team at the University of Oxford working on the methodology and research strategy for the projects. I contribute research to the stigma component of the NeuroGenE project, by carrying out systematic reviews, case studies, and collaborative research papers. In addition, I support the Africa Ethics Working Group in an administrative role.

My research interests include psychological mechanisms to support a cohesive society, exploring factors that contribute to stigma, and evidence-based policy and practice in the field of disability and development. This encompasses many components such as the role of empathy, the competing views of traditional healing with modern biomedicine, and access to health care. My current research focuses on attitudes towards persons with neurological disorders. I take a multidisciplinary approach in my methodology intertwining development, psychology, and anthropology. I have completed fieldwork in Kenya on attitudes and empathy towards persons with non-visible disabilities (e.g. psychosocial and intellectual disabilities), in comparison towards persons with visible disabilities (e.g. physical impairment). I am in the process of publishing this work. I also have a passion for translating academic research to the policy and practice level to support action and real outcomes for persons with neurological disorders.

I was awarded a Masters in International Development from the University of Birmingham, UK. Prior to this, I completed a Bachelor's degree in Psychology also at the University of Birmingham, with a year abroad in Anthropology at the Universität Heidelberg, Germany.