How did I get here ? Co-creating Global Education & Workforce Change

In this inaugural lecture Professor Sharples will examine her career so far and ask the all consuming question, how did I get here ?

Professor Naomi Sharples is an internationally recognised scholar whose 40 year career spans clinical practice, research, and global leadership across the fields of deafness, mental health, change leadership, and inclusive health and education systems.

Professor Sharples began her career as a clinician, working directly with Deaf children, adults, and families at the intersection of audiology, mental health, and social care. In her early professional years, she developed specialist expertise in Deaf mental health, trauma-informed communication approaches, and the ways in which structural barriers impact psychological wellbeing for Deaf people. Her clinical background continues to influence her academic work, shaping her approach to inclusive education, access to health, and policy advocacy.

Transitioning into academia, Professor Sharples joined the School of Health and Society, where she rapidly established herself as a leading figure in community-engaged research and collaborative practice. Her scholarship focuses on the lived experiences of Deaf individuals, health inequalities, communication accessibility, and the coproduction of mental health services with marginalised groups. She has led multiple interdisciplinary projects that bridge health sciences, social care, education, and public health including her work with the World Health Organisation.

Today, Professor Sharples works internationally, partnering with global organisations, universities, NGOs, and government bodies to connect students and staff across the globe, strengthen inclusive policy and to develop culturally competent models of health support. Her international portfolio includes supporting health workforce development, facilitating cross-cultural capacity building, and contributing to global frameworks aimed at improving access to care.

A respected educator and mentor, she has supervised and inspired emerging practitioners, educators, and leaders across health and social care. Her commitment to inclusive pedagogy, practice-based learning, and action learning has shaped curriculum development both within the School of Health and Society and internationally.

Professor Sharples continues to publish, teach, and advocate widely, using her platform to influence policy, drive innovation, and ensure that inclusive education and health equity remain firmly on the global health agenda.

Registration is from 6pm with the lecture starting promptly at 6:30pm.

This lecture will be live streamed via Microsoft Teams Live from 6:30pm . If you would prefer to attend online, please register for a 'Teams Live' ticket to receive the Live event link which will be emailed to you the day before the lecture.

This lecture will be recorded however the audience will not be shown. By attending this event in-person, you consent to this recording.

If you have any questions or access requirements please get in touch with the Events Team on [email protected] or 0161 295 2313.

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Host or Publisher Events Team, University of Salford