Dr Sadiq Bhanbhro PhD, MPH, MScPH, MSc, BA, AFAHEA
Senior Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Fellow
Summary
I am an interdisciplinary researcher specialising in medical anthropology. My research primarily examines the intersections of culture, gender, health and climate, with a particular emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), anti-racism, gender-based violence—specifically honour-based abuse—and the social determinants of health and well-being.
About
Dr Sadiq Bhanbhro is a Senior Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Fellow at the Centre of Applied Health and Social Care Ï㽶ÊÓƵ (CARe) within the School of Health and Social Care, which is part of the College of Health, Wellbeing, and Life Sciences at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. I am a part of the Maternal and Infant Health Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Group (MIHRG) in the CARe. Sadiq is the lead and founder of a Medical Anthropology and Sociology Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Network (MASRN), co-founder and co-lead of 'The Global Sex and Gender Violence Group (GSGV) and 'Anti-Racism Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Group'.
As a trained anthropologist, sociologist, public health professional and interdisciplinary researcher, I bring a unique perspective to my work. I integrate anthropological and sociological theories, practices and methods with public health research, teaching and policy development. I take an intersectional approach, emphasising social justice and using ethnographic and participatory methods to investigate public health problems and propose new insights for pragmatic solutions.
I am actively involved in research, teaching, and supervision. I have experience securing and managing internally and externally funded research and knowledge exchange projects. I have led several local, national, and international research projects from inception to dissemination, demonstrating my ability to drive impactful research on a global scale. I have demonstrated experience in collaborating by contributing to numerous projects as a co-investigator or team member. I led the development of international research collaborations and partnerships between the university and colleagues in Pakistan, Indonesia, and Kenya.
I have worked in various capacities with various organisations in the UK and Pakistan and completed research projects in Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Philippines. My research has been published in high-quality journals, has five book chapters, and is not just for academia. I have made a conscious effort to share my insights with the public through platforms like Conversation UK, The Express Tribune, Dawn.com, the Friday Times, and other media outlets. This demonstrates my ability to communicate complex research in a way that is accessible and engaging for all, ensuring that everyone can benefit from my work. Sadiq is a co-editor of the book 'Anti-Racist Nursing and Midwifery: A Guide for Students, Practitioners and Educators (Critical Publishing June 2025).
Sadiq, as a Co-Investigator for the UKRI-AHRC funded Nursing Narratives project, contributed to filmmaking to produce the documentary "Exposed", which combines the stories of 19 Black, brown and migrant nurses and midwives to speak about their powerful experiences of racism before and during the pandemic. Since its release (March 2022), Exposed has been screened at 35 locations in the UK and abroad.
Sadiq prepared and submitted the written evidence on understanding honour crimes to the UK Parliament's Women and Equalities Committee (March 22, 2023). The committee acknowledged the value of the ideas presented in the statement by accepting it and publishing it on its website as a prominent source to promote a nuanced understanding of honour crimes.
I have led and facilitated several knowledge exchange events, notably organising a community dialogue on the concept of "honour" and its implications in honour-based abuse under the auspices of the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences (15th Year edition) and the Unlearn and Learn event at the Open University, which featured the Nursing Narratives project documentary and an anti-racist manifesto for change.
Teaching
School of Health and Social Care
College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
School of Health and Social Care
College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
Health and Social Care
Public Health
Modules taught:
Evidence and Inquiry for Practice
Management and Leadership in Midwifery Care
Health, Culture and Public Health Development Work
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Current projects
PI: Birthing at Burning Places: An ethnographic exploration of intersections among climate-linked risks, maternal nutritional health, and cultural practices in Sindh Pakistan. Wellcome Trust Accelerator Award (313810/Z/24/Z).
PI: Healthier Communities Together: A Realist Evaluation of Type 2 Diabetes Action Hub (TAH Evaluation). Voluntary Action Sheffield (VAS).
PI: Developing a Collaborative Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Network to Identify Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Priorities in Maternal and Infant Nutritional Health Risks Linked to Climate Change in Pakistan. Academy of Medical Sciences' Global Challenges Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Fund (GCRF) (GCRFNGR8\1303).
Completed projects
PI: Birmingham and Lewisham Black African and Black Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR): Wider Determinants of Health Theme. Public Health Division, Birmingham City Council.
Co-I: Nursing Narratives – Racism and the Pandemic. UKRI Arts and Humanities Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Council (AHRC). (/centre-culture-media-society/projects/nursing-narratives)
PI: Maternal and Infant Health and Nutrition in Indonesia: An interdisciplinary workshop exploring opportunities and challenges for collaborative research, policy and practice development. Newton Fund - British Council. /research/specialisms/health-and-social-care-research/news/maternal-and-infant-health-and-nutrition-in-indonesia.
PI: An Exploration of the notions of Honour and shame in Islam and their relations to Honour Killings of Women and Girls in Pakistan and within the Pakistani community in the UK. Association for Sociology of Religion.
PI: An Ethnographic Study of Maternal Nutrition and Health in Minangkabau: A Matrilineal Community of Indonesia. British Council.
Project Lead: Rehabilitation Effectiveness and Activities for Life (REAL): Realistic Evaluation. NIHR.
Clients
Aga Khan University (AKU) Karachi, Pakistan
Andalas University Padang Indonesia
Africa International University, Kenya
British Council
British Academy
Wellcome Trust
The Academy of Medical Sciences
National Institute of Health Ï㽶ÊÓƵ (NIHR)
National Health Service (NHS)
Sindh University Sindh Pakistan
Quaid-i-Azam University Pakistan
World Health Organisation (WHO)
Publications
Journal articles
Jensen, E.A., Reed, M.S., Daybell, J., Rutt, L., Jensen, A.M., Arrigoni, G., ... Rodrigo, R.T. (2025). . Open Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Europe, 5 (92).
Bhanbhro, S. (2025). . Feminist Encounters: A Journal of Critical Studies in Culture and Politics, 9 (1), 18.
Court, R.J., Swallow, V., El-Yousfi, S., Gray-Burrows, K., Sotir, F., Wheeler, G., ... Martin-Kerry, J. (2024). . Archives of Disease in Childhood, 109 (10), 826-835.
Reed, M.S., Merkle, B.G., Cook, E.J., Hafferty, C., Hejnowicz, A.P., Holliman, R., ... Stroobant, M. (2024). . Sustainability Science, 19, 1481-1490.
Powell, K., Fox, N.J., Bhanbhro, S., Chauhan, A., Z, A.G., Jackson, K., ... Salway, S. (2024). Perspectives in Public Health, 144 (2), 72-74.
Nield, L., Bhanbhro, S., Steers, H., Young, A., & Davis, S.F. (2023). . Healthcare, 11 (18).
Ramamurthy, A., Bhanbhro, S., Bruce, F., & Collier-Sewell, F. (2023). . Nurse Education Today, 126.
Bhanbhro, S., Ramamurthy, A., Bruce, F., & Fero, K. (2023). Widespread racism in the UK's health and social care sector is a significant threat to public health. Population Medicine, 5 (Supple).
Bhanbhro, S., Kamal, T., Widoyo, R., Lipoeto, N.I., & Soltani, H. (2020). . PLoS One, 15 (6), e0234545.
Lusambili, A., Bhanbhro, S., & Muchanga, K. (2020). . People, Place and Policy.
Twells, A., Furness, P., Bhanbhro, S., & Gregory, M. (2018). . People, place and policy online, 12 (1), 8-28.
Boyle, P., Bhanbhro, S., & De Guzman, J.E. (2017). . International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 24 (9), 403-408.
Gee, M., Bhanbhro, S., Cook, S., & Killaspy, H. (2017). . Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 73 (8), 1775-1791.
Mclean, S., Holden, M., Potia, T., Gee, M., Mallett, R., Bhanbhro, S., ... Haywood, K. (2017). . Rheumatology (Oxford, England), 56 (3), 426-438.
Killaspy, H., King, M., Holloway, F., Craig, T.J., Cook, S., Mundy, T., ... Bhanbhro, S. (2017). . Programme Grants for Applied Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 5 (7), 1-284.
Whitfield, M., Bhanbhro, S., Green, G., Lewis, K., Hindle, L., & Levy, C. (2016). . Health Promotion International, 31 (3), 684-691.
Bhanbhro, S., Gee, M., Cook, S., Marston, L., Lean, M., & Killaspy, H. (2016). . BMC Psychiatry, 16 (292).
Mclean, S., Booth, A., Gee, M., Salway, S., Cobb, M., Bhanbhro, S., & Nancarrow, S. (2016). . Patient Preference and Adherence, 10, 479-499.
Bhanbhro, S., Cronin De Chavez, A., & Lusambili, A. (2016). . International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, 9 (3), 198-215.
Noorie, C., Weinstein, J., Ray, J., Hood, R., & Bhanbhro, S. (2014). . Working with Older People, 18 (4), 176-185.
Mclean, S., Gee, M., Booth, A., Salway, S., Nancarrow, S., Cobb, M., & Bhanbhro, S. (2014). . Health Services and Delivery Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 2 (34).
Allmark, P., Bhanbhro, S., & Chrisp, T. (2014). . BMC Public Health, 14, 62.
Bhanbhro, S., Wassan, M.R., Shah, M., Talpur, A.A., & Wassan, A.A. (2013). . International Journal of Asian Social Science, 3 (7), 1467-1484.
Jones, R., Bhanbhro, S., Grant, R., & Hood, R. (2013). . Health and Social Care in the Community, 21 (1), 47-58.
Bhanbhro, S., & Bryar, R.M. (2012). . AI Practitioner, 14 (3), 61-63.
Bhanbhro, S., & Bryar, R. (2012). . International Journal of Appreciative Inquiry, 14 (3), 61-63.
Bhanbhro, S., Drennan, V.M., Grant, R., & Harris, R. (2011). . BMC Health Services Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 11 (330), 1-10.
Bhanbhro, S., West, R., Cardiff, E., & Al-Salti, F. (n.d.). . Mental Health Practice.
Conference papers
Sixsmith, A., Fowler-Davis, S., Bhanbhro, S., & White, R. (2023). A GLOBAL AGETECH AGENDA. INNOVATION IN AGING, 7, 487.
Davis, S., Bhanbhro, S., Fang, M., & Sixsmith, A. (2023). Towards a just transition: enabling older populations to mitigate the impact of climate change and maintain wellbeing. Population Medicine, 5 (Supple), 69-70.
Bhanbhro, F., Bhanbhro, S., & Kamal, S. (2023). Climate change and threats to public health in Pakistan: a gender analysis of vulnerable communities. Population Medicine, 5 (Supple), 480.
Mclean, S., Holden, M., Haywood, K., Harrop, D., Potia, T., Mallett, R., & Bhanbhro, M. (2017). Exercise adherence measures – why we need to start again: Findings of a systematic review and consensus workshop. Physiotherapy.
Mclean, S., Booth, A., Gee, M., Salway, S., Cobb, M., Bhanbhro, M., & Nancarrow, S. (2017). Appointment reminder systems are effective but not optimal: Results of a systematic review and evidence synthesis employing realist principles. Physiotherapy, e103-e104.
de Chavez, A.C., Bhanbhro, S., & Lusambili, A. (2016). . Injury Prevention, 22 (Suppl), A259.
Homer, C., Allmark, P., Ibbotson, R., Bhanbhro, S., & Tod, A. (2015). . In UK Stroke Forum 2015, ACC Liverpool, 2015 - 2015.
Bhanbhro, M.S., & Wassan, R. (2013). Stigmatization of Hijras in Pakistan: Social exclusion and sex work. CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY, 15, S247.
Khan, K., Dossa, S., & Bhanbhro, S. (2006). . In Geneva Health Forum, Geneva, 30 August 2006 - 1 September 2006.
Homer, C., Allmark, P., Bhanbhro, S., Ibbotson, R., & Tod, A. (2014). . In BSA Medical Sociology Annual Conference, Aston University, Birmingham, 10 September 2014 - 12 September 2014.
Homer, C., Tod, A., Allmark, P., Bhanbhro, S., & Ibbotson, R. (2014). . In RCN 2014 Annual International Nursing Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Conference, Glasgow, 2 April 2014 - 4 April 2014.
Mclean, S., Booth, A., Gee, M., Salway, S., Cobb, M., & Bhanbhro, M. (2015). Appointment reminder systems are effective but not optimal: results of a systematic review and evidence synthesis employing realist principles. Physiotherapy, e980-e981.
Mclean, S., Booth, A., Salway, S., Nancarrow, S., Cobb, M., Gee, M., & Bhanbhro, M. (2015). Targeting the Use of Reminders & Notifications for Uptake by Populations (TURNUP) What is the differential effectiveness of patient reminders for improving attendance, cancellation and rescheduling of appointments? A systematic review and realist synthesis. In Primary Health Care Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Conference, Adelaide, 29 July 2015 - 2015.
Mclean, S., Booth, A., Salway, S., Nancarrow, S., Cobb, M., Gee, M., & Bhanbhro, M. (2013). Targeting the Use of Reminders & Notifications for Uptake by Populations (TURNUP). In 8th Health Services and Policy Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Conference 2013, Wellington, New Zealand, 2013 - 2014.
Mclean, S., Holden, M., Haywood, K., Potia, T., Gee, M., Mallett, R., & Bhanbhro, M. (2014). Exercise adherence measures in musculoskeletal settings: A systematic review and consensus meeting. In MACP Conference 2014, 25 October 2014.
Mclean, S., Holden, M., Haywood, K., Potia, T., Gee, M., Mallett, R., & Bhanbhro, M. (2015). Exercise adherence measures – why we need to start again: Findings of a systematic review and consensus workshop. In World Congress of Physical Therapy 2015, Singapore, 1 May 2015 - 4 May 2015.
Book chapters
Bhanbhro, S. (2023). Honour Crimes. In Gender-Based Violence: A Comprehensive Guide. (pp. 285-297). Springer International Publishing:
Bhanbhro, S. (2023). . In Young People, Stalking Awareness and Domestic Abuse. (pp. 141-159). Springer International Publishing:
Bhanbhro, S. (2023). Stalking and Coercive Control: Commonly Used Strategies in Honour-Based Abuse Against Young People. In Young People, Stalking Awareness and Domestic Abuse. (pp. 149-151).
Bhanbhro, S. (2021). Brothers Who Kill: Murders of Sisters for the Sake of Family Honour in Pakistan. In Brothers and Sisters. (pp. 297-312). Springer International Publishing:
Bhanbhro, S. (2015). . In Tomas, J., & Epple, N. (Eds.) Sexuality, oppression and human rights. Oxford: Interdisciplinary Press
Books
RAMAMURTHY, F. (2025). Anti-Racist Nursing and Midwifery A Guide for Students, Practitioners and Educators.
Reports
Bhanbhro, S., Memon, Z., Ahmed, W., Ansar, F., & Soltani, H. (2024). Ï㽶ÊÓƵ priorities in maternal and infant nutritional health and risks linked to climate change in Pakistan.
Ramamurthy, A., Bhanbhro, S., Bruce, F., Gumber, A., & Fero, K. (2022). . Anti-Racism Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Group, Centre for Culture Media and Society, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.
Bhanbhro, S., & Al-Salti, F. (2021). A rapid evidence review of wider determinants of health inequalities experienced by Black African, Black Caribbean and Black-mixed ethnicity communities in Birmingham, Lewisham and the UK.
Bhanbhro, S. (2016). Maternal and Infant Health and Nutrition in Indonesia Workshop Report.
Homer, C., Allmark, P., Bhanbhro, S., Ibbotson, R., & Tod, A. (2015). . Sheffield, UK: Collaboration for Leadership in applied Health Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and Care.
Allmark, P., Bhanbhro, S., & Chrisp, T. (2013). NHS Rotherham.
Bhanbhro, S. (2013). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.
Bhanbhro, S., & Whitfield, M. (2012). Estimating the impact of obesity initiatives. Unpublished.
Mclean, S., Holden, M., Haywood, K., Potia, T., Gee, M., Mallett, R., & Bhanbhro, S. (n.d.). . Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Theses / Dissertations
Bhanbhro, S. (2021). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Barley, R., Allmark, P., & Hirst, J.
Internet Publications
Bhanbhro, S. (2024). Extreme heat’s toll.
Bhanbhro, S., & Ramamurthy, A. (2024). Nursing Narratives: Racism and the Pandemic Written evidence to UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Bhanbhro, S. (2023). Reports of ‘honour-based’ abuse increased following lockdowns and change to police recording rules.
Bhanbhro, S., Ramamurthy, A., Faye, B., & Fero, K. (2023). Widespread racism in the UK’s health and social care sector significantly threatens public health.
Bhanbhro, S. (2023). Dissecting The Anatomy Of Feudal Power In Sindh.
Bhanbhro, S. (2023). Racism is an overlooked challenge to UK Healthcare Services.
Bhanbhro, S. (2023). Honour-Based Abuse: Still an invisible crime.
Bhanbhro, S. (2023). Imran Khan Leans Into His Patriarchal Side By Glorifying Ghairat.
Bhanbhro, S. (2022). International Family Nursing Association features Nursing Narratives.
Bhanbhro, S. (2022). Racism in the NHS is rampant: nurses demand action.
Bhanbhro, S. (2022). Pakistan again faces questions over ‘honour’ killings as brother acquitted of social media star’s murder.
Bhanbhro, S. (2022). How karo-kari continues to haunt Sindh.
Bhanbhro, S. (2022). What are we rewarding the Human Rights Ministry for?
Bhanbhro, S., Ramamurthy, A., Fero, K., & Bruce, F. (2022). Policy brief for Arts and Humanities Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Council’s Pandemic and Beyond Initiative.
Bhanbhro, S. (2020). Covid-19 and the antibiotics dilemma.
Bhanbhro, S. (2020). Child marriages: coerced adulthood and the loss of innocence.
Bhanbhro, S. (2019). Sindh's quick, cheap and ludicrous tribal courts make a mockery of justice.
Bhanbhro, S. (2019). The liberal and the ‘liberally corrupt.
Bhanbhro, S. (2017). Do you take antibiotics for a seasonal flu or viral infection? If yes, then you’re as ignorant as the doctor who prescribed it.
Bhanbhro, S. (2017). Forced conversions of Hindu girls in Pakistan make a mockery of its constitution.
Bhanbhro, S. (2017). Indonesia’s Minangkabau culture promotes empowered Muslim women.
Bhanbhro, S. (2017). Violence in the name of ‘honour’ is a public health problem not a cultural one.
Media
Bhanbhro, S. (2022). How to change honour stories for saving lives? TEDx Talks
Ramamurthy, A., & Fero, K. (2022). . [Film]. Migrant Media:
Presentations
Homer, C., Allmark, P., Bhanbhro, S., Ibbotson, R., & Tod, A. (2014). Long term weight gain following stroke: exploring incidence and explanations. Presented at: Medical Sociology Annual Conference, Birmingham
Bhanbhro, S. (2014). . Presented at: Why Discourse Matters? Theoretical and Methodological Practices of Discourse Analysis - 2nd Graduate conference, Frankfurt Germany, 2014
Homer, C., Allmark, P., Bhanbhro, S., Ibbotson, R., & Tod, A. (2014). Weight gain after a stroke: the issue and control. Presented at: Royal College of Nursing, Glasgow
Bhanbhro, S. (2008). . Presented at: The Asia Workshop on Gender, Conflict and Development “In Search of Peace and Development: Women Hold Half the Ground", Davao Philippines, 2008
Posters
Homer, C., Allmark, P., Bhanbhro, S., Ibbotson, R., & Tod, A. (2015). Weight gain following stroke: it's everybody's business. Presented at: UK stroke Forum 2015, Liverpool
Homer, C., Allmark, P., Bhanbhro, S., Ibbotson, R., & Tod, A. (2014). Long term weight gain following stroke: exploring incidence and explanations. Presented at: Health and Wellbeing Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Day, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ
Datasets
Bhanbhro, S., Nield, L., & Follwer-Davies, S. (2022). VAS Diabetes Project 2021-22..
Other publications
Dung, D., Bhanbhro, S., Ramamurthy, A., & Bond, C. (2025). An intersectionality analysis of the task allocation to nurses (at a ward level) in healthcare settings: A systematic review protocol. PROSPERO:
Other activities
Editor: People, Place and Policy
Review editor: Life-Course Epidemiology and Social Inequalities in Health (a speciality section of Frontiers in Public Health)
Editorial Board Member Progressive Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Journal of Arts and Humanities (PRJAH), Sindh University Jamshoro, Pakistan
Elected Council Member of the British Association of South Asian Studies (BASAS) – (Nov 1, 2023, to present).
Member of SHU Academic Board (Aug 1 2022 – present)
Member of the Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Ï㽶ÊÓƵ (CARe) Executive Management Board.
Co-lead Society of Gender Professionals (SGP) – Gender and Climate Justice Circle
Global Assessor - Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) - 2018 to 2020
Panel member and Reviewer - Newton Fund/British Council (2018 - to present)
Specialist Invited Reviewer - National Institute for Health and Care Ï㽶ÊÓƵ (NIHR) and Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Council (ESRC).
Postgraduate supervision
I am interested in offering PhD supervision for topics related to medical anthropology and ethnography, investigating intersections between culture, climate change, health and well-being, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), race/racism, and gender-based violence, particularly honour-based abuse.
Current PhD Students
Maysoon Shafiq, ‘An ethnographic study exploring Pakistani Muslims access to palliative care in England’.
Dusu Dung, ‘An Intersectionality Analysis of the division of labour in Healthcare Settings in England’.
Jahanara Rowell, ‘Qualitative Exploration to Address the Psychosocial Needs of Refugee Children in the UK’.