Tom Shakespeare

Tom Shakespeare is a prominent figure in the field of disability research, currently serving as a Professor of Disability Research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, a position he has held since October 2018. His academic background includes a PhD in Sociology from the University of Cambridge, where he studied from 1989 to 1995.25

Academic and Professional Background

Shakespeare's career spans various prestigious roles:

• World Health Organization: Technical Officer in the Disability and Research Team (2007-2012).
• Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia: Professor of Disability Research (2013-2018).
• Newcastle University: Senior Research Fellow and Director of Outreach at the Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences Research Institute (1999-2005).34

He has contributed significantly to disability studies, focusing on areas such as disability rights, bioethics, and social policy. He has authored over 100 papers and twelve books, including influential works like Disability Rights and Wrongs and The Sexual Politics of Disability .14

Research Interests and Contributions

Shakespeare's research interests are diverse, encompassing:

• The sociology of medicine.
• Genetics and ethics related to disability.
• Disability policy and inclusion strategies. He is also known for his critique of the social model of disability, advocating for a more nuanced understanding that considers both societal barriers and individual impairments.46

Public Engagement

In addition to his academic work, Tom Shakespeare is an active public intellectual, frequently appearing on BBC Radio to discuss disability issues. He has contributed to various parliamentary committees and public bodies regarding disability policy.24 His work often emphasizes the importance of listening to the lived experiences of disabled individuals, challenging prevailing assumptions within disability studies.46

Personal Background

Tom Shakespeare has achondroplasia and uses a wheelchair, which informs his perspective on disability. He emphasizes the need for empirical evidence in discussions about disability rights and advocacy.67

Overall, Tom Shakespeare is a leading voice in disability research, combining academic rigor with public engagement to advocate for the rights and inclusion of disabled individuals.