Inaugural Lecture- Professor Anita Atwal

This inaugural lecture explores how occupational therapy can remain fundamentally human in an increasingly intelligent world. It will examine the relationship between occupation, health equity and prevention, alongside the opportunities and challenges created by artificial intelligence. Drawing on research into access, culturally responsive practice, workforce inequalities and prevention, the lecture will consider how technology can support more personalised, inclusive and proactive care while also risking the reproduction of inequalities. It will argue that occupational therapists and allied health professionals must help shape the ethical design, use and evaluation of AI so that innovation strengthens participation, dignity and humanity.

Biography

Professor Anita Atwal is an internationally recognised occupational therapist, researcher and professional leader whose career has been characterised by a commitment to challenging inequalities, transforming occupational therapy practice and ensuring that research creates meaningful change for people, communities and the profession. She is Professor of Occupational Therapy at York St John University and has established a distinctive programme of interdisciplinary, co-produced and equity-focused research spanning occupational therapy, rehabilitation, workforce development, patient safety and health inequalities.

A defining strength of Anita’s career is her ability to connect research, professional leadership, policy and practice. Her research is firmly grounded in the experiences of service users, communities and practitioners, with a particular focus on groups whose voices have historically been under-represented in research and service development. Her work has addressed inequalities amongst minoritised communities, inclusive workforce development, active ageing, long-term conditions, discharge planning, rehabilitation and access to occupational therapy. More recently, she has led work exploring the cultural adaptation and accessibility of occupational therapy for Somali communities in the UK, demonstrating her commitment to co-production and culturally responsive practice.

Anita has a longstanding and influential relationship with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). She has served in senior professional roles including the Research and Development Committee and Professional Practice Board ad was the elected RCOT/BAOT Council member with responsibility for Research and Development, contributing directly to strategic decision-making about the future of occupational therapy research and the profession. Her contribution was recognised by her peers when she was selected to deliver the prestigious 2021 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture. The lecture exemplified a recurring theme throughout her career: the importance of having the courage to question established systems and create a more inclusive and socially responsive profession.

Her influence extends across the wider allied health professions. Anita has worked with Health and Care Research Wales to support development of a research action plan for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals and has contributed to national research capacity building, mentoring and workforce initiatives. She is particularly committed to enabling practitioners and emerging researchers to develop confidence, leadership and research capability

At the heart of Anita’s work is a belief that occupational therapy can be a powerful agent for social change. Through research, mentorship, professional leadership and advocacy, she consistently challenges the profession to examine whose voices are heard, who benefits from services and research, and where systems themselves need to change. Her career demonstrates intellectual leadership, social and creative courage, and a sustained commitment to making occupational therapy more inclusive, evidence-informed and responsive to the communities it serves.

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