Biography
Dr Chiara Cocco is an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Postdoctoral Research Associate on the UKRI-funded TransiT programme at Heriot-Watt University. Her work focuses on embedding EDI across research, policy and practice to support socially just, inclusive and accessible transitions to sustainable futures.
Chiara holds a PhD in Social Sciences and specialises in EDI research and practice at the intersection of organisational change, gender equality, accessibility and social justice. Prior to joining TransiT, she worked within the UK Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Caucus (EDICa), where she collaborated with universities, public bodies, policymakers and industry partners to address structural inequalities and develop evidence-based interventions in the Research and Innovation ecosystem. She remains affiliated with EDICa as an Honorary Researcher.
Her expertise spans disability inclusion, neurodiversity, menstrual health, gender equity and intersectionality, with extensive experience translating research evidence into practical organisational change through training, policy development, co-design and stakeholder engagement. Methodologically, she specialises in qualitative and ethnographic research, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, autoethnography and creative participatory approaches. Through her work, Chiara seeks to centre lived experience, challenge structural inequalities and contribute to more inclusive organisations, systems and communities.