One of the research interests I have is about body image dissatisfaction. This can result from disfigurement or the consequence of perceived social pressure to conform to unrealistic and narrow beauty ideals, indiscriminately affecting the mental and physical health of a significant and growing proportion of our population. Those with disfigurement also experience social discrimination that negatively impacts personal aspirations, education and work opportunities. As medical advances improve the survival rates of those born with or who acquire a disfigurement, and the demand for cosmetic interventions and psychological support increases, professionals from diverse health and social care areas are increasingly being exposed to the challenges of identifying and addressing the needs of patients burdened by complex and unique psychosocial issues. These professionals are perfectly placed to ameliorate these issues but report that they often lack the necessary expertise to help, and therefore, patient access to expert support is inadequate. Consequently, I have been involved as the coordinator in many European projects that focus on developing training resources for healthcare professionals, teachers, and other relevant stakeholders to gain the necessary skills to provide better support.

Master's degree (2002) in psychology; PhD (2007) in medical science; Master's degree (2007) in public health; Associate Professor (2018) in Health Sciences; Professor (2019) in Health Sciences; Board member of the European Cleft Organization (2013); Smile Train Research and Innovation Advisory Council (STRIAC) member  (2020); Chairman of cost-action  CA16234 European Cleft and Craniofacial Initiative for Equality in Care.

Two ongoing research initiatives that merit attention are the Cleft@18-20 project. Led by the University of Bristol and supported by nearly £2 million in funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), this research program aims to explore how factors such as ethnicity, sex, socio-economic status, health literacy, and geography influence outcomes for young adults born with a cleft. The study's findings will identify strategies to address these variations and ensure equitable outcomes for all young adults with a cleft. We are leading the research team, which will interview young adults with cleft lip and/or palate to learn more about their perspectives on their outcomes and what would help them.

Additionally, I am serving as an external expert and advisor for the Smile Train project, titled "Leave No Child Behind: Towards Equitable Cleft Care in India Quality of Life and Impact Report." My involvement focuses on enhancing the research methodology and design of the project.

Over the past two decades, I have consistently published in academic peer-reviewed journals and delivered numerous keynotes, lectures, workshops, and symposiums across Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. These engagements have targeted a diverse audience, including professionals, students, and users within my fields of expertise. My research during this period has encompassed epidemiological and population-based studies, as well as extensive national multicenter observational and cohort studies. Additionally, I have participated in research employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and have conducted comprehensive project evaluations.

Throughout my career, I have developed substantial expertise in engaging with socially disadvantaged groups across Europe, focusing on the methodological and pedagogical advancement of educational programs in psychology, public health, and health education, spanning introductory to advanced levels. My professional background is enriched by my involvement in research, teaching, and the coordination and management of over 50 international projects. These initiatives have successfully secured more than €34 million in funding, contributing significantly to the enhancement of psychosocial, health, and educational initiatives.