Dr Miro Griffiths

Profile

Dr Miro Griffiths is a Disability Studies scholar, based in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, at the University of Leeds. His research is associated – primarily – with understanding disabled people’s experiences of resistance, activism, social movement participation, and advocacy. His contribution to existing bodies of literature has progressed ideas and theories about power, resistance practices, and disabled people’s pursuit for liberation.

Dr Griffiths is, also, prominent within social policy analysis – particularly disability policy associated with health and social care personalisation agendas, welfare and social security provision, hate crime prevention, and labour market participation strategies (UK and Europe). Currently, Dr Griffiths is a Lecturer in Social Policy and Disability Studies. He is researching young disabled people’s experiences of activism across Europe, funded by Leverhulme Trust. The research project employs mixed methodologies, including: surveys, semi structured interviews, arts-based workshops, and documentary film. Further information about the project is found here: disabilityactivism.leeds.ac.uk/

In addition to his research, Dr Griffiths is the Co-Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, an internationally renowned research centre – within the University of Leeds – which is dedicated to understanding disabled people’s position in societies across the globe. The Centre for Disability Studies is committed to research agendas that progress the realisation of accessible and inclusive societies for all communities. Furthermore, he is a member of the University of Leeds Research Ethics Committee for the Faculties of Business, Environment and Social Sciences. Dr Griffiths is an Executive and Managing Editor of two international journals in Disability Studies, and a mentor at the Council for At-Risk Academics.

Teaching experience is varied across undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Main areas of teaching include: disability theory, social movement studies, social policy analysis, and accessible and participatory research methodologies. Dr Griffiths has extensive experience of dissertation supervision, PhD supervision, and PhD transfer examinations. He is a regular guest lecturer at universities across the globe, and has developed public scholarship activities – such as Council of Europe summer schools – in collaboration with civil society organisations.

Dr Griffiths, beyond academia, retains advisory positions across Europe. He is a former confidential and strategic adviser on disability policy to the UK Government, through the Equality 2025 initiative. This included three years as Deputy Chair and attendance, as part of the UK delegation, at the Signing Ceremony for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York, 2007. He is also a former Disability Advisory Committee member for the UK Equality and Human Rights Commission. Currently, Dr Griffiths is an adviser to the Liverpool City Region on fairness and social justice, UK Government on personalisation of health and social care agendas, European Commission on disability hate crime and self-directed support provision, and the British Council on inclusivity approaches. He has also accepted advisory positions on several research-funded projects in the UK and across Europe. Project topics include: archives and history, welfare and social security, humanitarian crisis management, and disability advocacy.

Dr Griffiths is passionate about – and experienced in – supporting Disabled People’s Organisations across the globe. He is a founding member of the European Network on Independent Living Youth Network, and holds several board and director positions on organisations across Europe. He, regularly, accepts invitations to support Disabled People’s Organisations’ strategic, operational, and impactful activities.

He regularly contributes to media across the globe, including mainstream news outlets (television and radio), documentary films, podcast series, and in published press. This includes serving as Academic Consultant for the BBC One Documentary: Better Off Dead? (2024). Further information on media coverage is found here: disabilityactivism.leeds.ac.uk/public-coverage/miro-griffiths-on-disability-related-topics-public-coverage/

His pioneering work has been recognised in the Birthday Honours (MBE, 2014), by the Royal Society of Arts (Invited Fellow, 2017), the International Sociological Association (Sociologist of the Month, September 2022), Disability Power 100 List (2023), University of Liverpool (Alumni Awards, 2024), and Association For Learning Technology (Award for Case Studies of Ethical EdTech, 2024).  .

Responsibilities

• Co-Director of the Centre for Disability Studies
• Member on Research Ethics Committee for the Faculties of Business, Environment and Social Sciences

Research interests

Dr Griffiths has knowledge and interest on a range of topics, which include: Disability Studies, Social Policy Analysis, Sociology of Resistance, Social Movement Studies, and Emancipatory Research Methodologies. His research knowledge has led to participation on projects (including investigatory and advisory roles), invitations at academic conferences and public scholarship events, and appearances in the media.

Research Projects

He has participated, as an investigator, in the following research projects:

• Disability Activism in Europe: Young Disabled Activist’s Views and Experiences (2020- 2024). Funded by: Leverhulme Trust. Role: Principal Investigator.
• Disability and the Home (2022-2023). Funded by: National Lottery Heritage Fund. Role: Co-Investigator.
• Building Capacity to Monitor Hate Crime and Hate Speech through Online Training (2017-2018). Funded by: European Commission (Justice and Consumers). Role: Co-Investigator.
• Three Year Framework Partnership Agreement (Hate Crime Strand) (2014-2018). Funded by: European Commission (Social Affairs). Role: Co-principal Investigator.
• European Core Learning Outcomes for Integration of Support and Housing (2014-2015). Funded by: European Commission (Lifelong Learning Programme). Role: Co-principal Investigator.
• Professional Partnership for Inclusive Education (2010-2012). Funded by: Erasmus Plus (Leonardo da Vinci). Role: Co-Investigator.

He has held advisory positions on the following research projects:

• Project Adviser to National Disability Movement Archive and Collection (2023-2026). Funded by: National Lottery Heritage Fund.
• Chairperson of the Project Advisory Team for Improving Adult Care Together (2022-2027). Funded by: Economic and Social Research Council and Health Foundation.
• Project Adviser to Youth Disability Advocacy and Research Network (2023-2024). Funded by: Arts and Humanities Research Council.
• Project Adviser to Images and Imagination of Impairment and Disability in the "Hans-Wurtz-Collection" (2022-2024). Funded by: Arts and Humanities Research Council and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.
• Project Adviser to PReparedness against CBRNE threats through cOmmon Approaches between security praCTItioners and the VulnerablE civil society (2019-2022). Funded by: European Commission (Horizon 2020).

Academic Presentations

Dr Griffiths has received invitations to present on his research projects and knowledge areas. These include:

• Griffiths, M (2024 September). “Resistance Practices and Imaginations: Young Disabled People's Participation in Disability Activism Across Europe”. University of Leeds Disability Studies Conference, Leeds. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M (2024 May). “Disability Activism In Europe: Young Disabled Activist’s Views And Experiences Project”. Independent Living Research Network, Brussels. [Panel Session].
• Griffiths, M (2023 October). “Activism, the Academy, and Applicability: Disability Studies and Disability Politics”. University of Leeds Post Graduate Researcher Conference, Leeds. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M (2023 October). “Discrimination and Hate Crime within Football”. Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool. [Panel Session].
• Griffiths, M (2023 June). “Young Disabled People’s Experiences, Opportunities, and Tensions Across European Disability Activism”. University of Galway, Galway. [Panel Session].
• Griffiths, M. (2022 September). "Imagining Inclusive and Accessible Societies". European Network on Independent Living Freedom Drive, European Network on Independent Living, Brussels. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. and Heumann, J. (2021 November). "Disability Activism, Resistance, and Realising Inclusive Societies". College of St Benedict and St John's University, Minnesota. [Panel Session].
• Griffiths, M. (2021 May). "Self-Determination: A Journey Of Interdependency Not Self-Sufficiency". Erickson Third Edition International Conference on Disability and Adulthood, Online. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2015 November). “Impact of Welfare Reform on Disabled People’s Lives”. 3rd Level Education Conference, Budapest. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2014 December). “The Future of Activism and Grassroots Mobilisation”. International Congress on Disability and Human Rights, Liverpool. [Keynote].

He has also presented at academic conferences, which include:

• Griffiths, M. (2022-November). "Conceptualising the Future of UK Disability Activism through Utopian, Retrotopian, and Heterotopian Configurations". European Sociological Association Mid-Term Conference of the Political Sociology Research Network, Lausanne.
• Griffiths, M. (2020-October). "Archiving Activism: Young Disabled People's Views and Experiences of the Role of Archives in UK Disabled People's Movement". European Sociological Association Mid-Term Conference of the Political Sociology Research Network, Online.
• Griffiths, M. (2019-August). “These Days Are Ours: Exploring Young Disabled People’s Experiences of Activism and Participation in UK Disabled People’s Movement (DPM)”. European Sociological Association, Manchester.
• Griffiths, M. (2017-April). “Power Dynamics within Social Movements: How They Affect Young People’s Participation”. British Sociological Association Conference, Manchester.
• Griffiths, M. (2017-April). “These Days Are Ours: Exploring Young Disabled People’s Experiences Of Activism and Participation in Social Movements”. Alternative Futures and Popular Protest, Manchester.

Public Scholarship

Dr Griffiths receives, on a regular basis, invitations to participate in activities aligned with his research and knowledge areas. This includes presentations, the design and delivery of international summer schools, and expert advisory contributions.

Presentations include:

• Griffiths, M. (2024 May). “Disability Research: Significance, Production, and Impact.” Welsh Government Equality Evidence Unit, Online. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2024 May). “Exploring Public Views on Assisted Dying – Disability Perspectives.” Nuffield Council on Bioethics, Online. [Panellist].
• Griffiths, M. (2024 March). “Analysis of Assisted Suicide Legislation Proposals in Scotland.” Members of Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh. [Panellist].
• Griffiths, M. (2023 November). “Disability, Childhood and Youth: Voice, Politics, and Solidarity.” UK Disability History Month, London.
• Griffiths, M. (2023 November). “Disability, Childhood and Youth: Activism and Resistance.” Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum, Online.
• Griffiths, M. (2023 September). “Personal Budgets and Direct Payments: Reflections from UK Implementation.” Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Online.
• Griffiths, M. (2023 July). “Accessibility and Affordability in Social Services Provision – Principles for a New Strategy.” European Network on Independent Living, Online.
• Darke, P. and Griffiths, M. (2023 July). “Exploring Disability and Conceptualisations of the Home.” Historic England, Online. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2023 July). “Young Disabled People’s Experiences of Activism, Participation & Resistance.” Youth Disability Advocacy and Research Network, Online. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2023 May). “The Home as a Site of Resistance: Disabled People’s Conceptualisations of the Home.” Museum of the Home, London. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2019 November). “Reimagining Disability Social Policy – What Needs To Happen?” Elkartuz International Congress, San Sebastian. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2018-March) “Unity and Diversity: the Position of Disabled People in Brexit Negotiations.” Worldwide Wednesday Conference, Liverpool. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2018-January) “Impact of EU Exit upon Children and Young People”, Children’s Rights Forum, Liverpool. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2017-December) “The Need to Radically Change Disability Assessments”. Royal Society of Arts, Liverpool. [Keynote].
• Caleb-Solley, P. and Griffiths, M. (2017-October) “Will New Technology Offer Greater Agency and Presence for Disabled People?” Brave, Poor and Invisible: Gatekeepers of Past and Future Cities, Bristol. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2017-September) “Building from a Human Rights and Social Justice Foundation”. European Association for International Education, Liverpool. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2017-August) “Exclusion Is a Choice: the Marginalisation of Disabled People in Higher Educational Institutions”. National Union of Students Annual Services Conference, Liverpool. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2017 March). “Social Justice, Education and Disabled Students”. Higher Education Academy, Berlin. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2017 February). “Politicisation of Disability, Methodologies and Historical Representations of Disabled People”. History of Place, Liverpool. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2016 October). “Disability and Youth: Political Issues”. Norwegian Association of Youth with Disabilities, Oslo. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2015 September). “Philosophy of Co-Production”. European Commission, Brussels. [Keynote].
• Griffiths, M. (2013 May). “Inclusive Education for Disabled Students”. 5th International Human Rights Forum, Nantes.

Dr Griffiths has supported the design, development, and delivery of international study sessions in collaboration with the Council of Europe. The sessions include:

• Active Citizenship and Political Participation of Young Disabled People (2017-2018). [Co-Principal Lead].
• Sexuality and Relationships as Integral to Disabled People’s Social Inclusion (2015-2016). [Co-Principal Lead].
• Future Leaders of the Independent Living Movement (2011-2012). [Co-Principal Lead].

Dr Griffiths has been invited to give expert witness statements to inquiries, projects, and committees associated with social justice. His contributions have been received by the United Nations, European Commission, UK Government, Welsh Government, All-Party Parliamentary Committees (UK), Baroness Jane Campbell (UK House of Lords), and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Qualifications

• PhD Sociology
• MA Disability Studies
• BSc (Hons) Psychology
• Associate Fellow Higher Education Academy

Professional memberships

• Member of the International Sociological Association
• Invited Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
• Member of the International Independent Living Research Network
• Managing Editor for the Journal of Disability Studies in Education
• Executive Editor to the International Journal of Disability and Social Justice

Student education

At undergraduate level, Dr Griffiths has experience of teaching on the following subjects: Disability Studies, International Policy Analysis, Education, Social Movement Studies, and Sociological Theory.

At postgraduate level, Dr Griffiths has experience of teaching on the following subjects: Disability Studies, Social Policy Analysis, Social Movement Studies, Sociology of Resistance, and Rights and Social Justice.

Dr Griffiths has extensive experience of PhD supervision and examination of PhD upgrades. His PhD supervision consists of:

• Carys Kennedy. (Present). University of Leeds.
• Tomas Puentes Leon. (Present). University of Leeds.
• Rados Keravica. (Present). University of Leeds.
• Fatimah Abdullah Almulhim. Deaf people’s education and employment experiences in Saudi Arabia: An Islamic Social Model perspective'. (2023). University of Leeds.
• Sidharth Shankar. Parenting under pressure: The experiences of parents/guardians of autistic children in Kerala, India. (2022). University of Leeds.

Dr Griffiths has been involved in examining the following PhD vivas:

• Amy Redhead. Representing Down’s Syndrome in Documentary: Exploring Interdependence, Relationships and Pre-natal Screening in the Documentary Genre. (2024). University of Leeds. [Internal Examiner].

Dr Griffiths has been involved in examining the following PhD upgrades:

• Veronica Montanaro. Re-imagining Speech and Language Therapy: Sociological Shifts. (2023). University of Leeds. [Panel Chair].
• Sarah Troke. From Demons to Diagnosis: A genealogy of the diagnostic and impairment category of seizures and epilepsy. (2022). University of Leeds. [Panel Member].
• Burgandi Rakoska. Why Disabled Students Drop Out: A Phenomenological Study of Disabled Students’ Attrition Rates in Higher Education within the US and England. (2020). University of Leeds. [Panel Member].
• Tomas Puentes Leon. Navigating in(ter)dependence in young adults with intellectual disabilities and their families in Chile. (2020). University of Leeds. [Panel Member].
• Rebecca Louise Porter. The Right Tools For the Job? Personal Independence Payment as a Form of Necropolitics. (2020). University of Leeds. [Panel Member].

Dr Griffiths has also supervised:

• Mallika Khathuria and Neil Sadarangani. University of Leeds Laidlaw Scholarship (Leadership And Research Programme) - Disability Youth And Assistive Technology (2023). [Co-Supervisor].
• Armineh Soorenian. Disability Research on Independent Living and Learning - Reasonable Adjustments and Their Effectiveness in Education and Training Post Equality Act 2010 (2018-2019). [Co-Supervisor].

Research groups and institutes

• Centre for Disability Studies
• Leeds Social Science Institute