Sadia Mir

Tell us a bit about your background.

I am a speaker that speaks about heart work - the questions we need to ask, the elephant in the room that needs to be addressed, the gaps in the research. I am an advocate for young women, people of colour, people of South Asian heritage and young Muslims. I pride myself in being a cultural connector, working in communities to bring change and facilitate culturally-aware discussion. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love being active. I'm not the best at it, as my health often gets in the way, but I enjoy nothing more than the feeling of finishing a hard route during an indoor climb. I also enjoy making - I cosplay once a year for Comic Con and focus on creating my own costumes that both represent the character and adds a South Asian flair. 

How did you first get involved in the Fuse public partner network?

I was actually looking for more opportunities to use my voice as a South Asian to create better health outcomes for fellow South Asians. I came across an event that Fuse did in the past about South Asian health, so sent an email asking more about it.

What areas of public health research are you particularly interested in?

I am particularly interested in mental health and health disparities among marginalised communities. I believe that understanding the unique challenges faced by South Asian women, including cultural and socio-economic factors, is crucial for developing effective public health interventions. Additionally, I am interested in the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on health outcomes on our local communities.

Have you been involved in research before?

I have been using my voice to speak on healthcare, heritage and arts research since 2019. I have worked with many institutions, universities and local councils. 

Why is having your voice heard in public health research important to you?

Having my voice heard in public health research is important to me because it allows for the representation of diverse perspectives and experiences. As a South Asian Muslim woman, I want to ensure that the unique health needs and challenges faced by my community are acknowledged and addressed. By contributing to research, I can help shape policies and programs that are more inclusive and effective for all individuals, particularly people from underrepresented backgrounds.

What one piece of advice would you share with someone curious about public involvement and engagement?

My best advice is don't be afraid to ask - send that email, text or ask that question. You have the unique ability to create opportunity through every question you ask.

Last modified: Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:05:19 BST