Image of Dr Rafaela Neiva

Dr Rafaela Neiva

Liverpool Business School

Faculty of Business and Law

See My Tutor

LinkedIn

ORCID

I am a Public Sociologist, and a Reader at Liverpool Business School. My work is at the intersection of the arts, health, and innovation. I use sociological theories and interdisciplinary methods to create evidence-based social change.

Throughout my career, I have authored over 100 research outputs in five languages, contributing to leading Q1 journals and cultural policy reports, including to the European Commission. My work has been cited by key policy bodies, including the OECD and the Portuguese, EU, and UK Parliaments.

I have secured over £13 million (£2 million for LJMU) in research and innovation funding, supporting projects that have improved public health, shaped cultural policy, driven business innovation, and tackled social inequalities.

In health and wellbeing, my research redesigned the House of Memories programme for National Museums Liverpool, which has been expanded to Wales, the USA, and Singapore. In cultural policy, I co-developed monitoring and evaluation frameworks, as well as cultural strategies for the European Capitals of Culture in Slovakia, Portugal, and Poland, as well as the Liverpool Boroughs of Culture in the UK. In business innovation, my research on Safe Steps demonstrated a reduction in care home falls, leading to greater product adoption, job creation, and revenue growth. I also co-developed the CYP as One platform with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to improve mental healthcare access for children and young people.

I have presented at nearly 50 global conferences, delivered several keynote addresses, and organised a range of scholarly events. My contributions to arts and health have been recognised through roles such as European Commission Expert and UNESCO Newton Prize Reviewer. I have also held Visiting Scholar roles in Brazil, China, Europe, and the USA, reflecting the global recognition of my work.

Before joining Liverpool John Moores University in 2022, I held faculty positions at the University of Porto, the University of Coimbra, and the Porto Social Work School. I have also worked as a visiting fellow and curator at leading cultural institutions, including Casa da Musica and Serralves Museum in Portugal, Tate Liverpool in the UK, and Šiuolaikinio Meno Centras in Lithuania.

My work is characterised by its interdisciplinary nature. It bridges disciplinary boundaries to create meaningful social and policy change through research, innovation, and co-creation.

Languages

Portuguese
English
Spanish; Castilian
French

Degrees

2017, University of São Paulo, Brazil, Post-doctor,, Arts Education
2013, University of Porto, Portugal, Ph.D., Sociology
2006, University of Porto, Portugal, Bachelar of Arts,, Education

Academic appointments

Senior Research Fellow, Liverpool John Moores University, 2019 - 2022
Internal Marker, Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries, King's College, 2018 - 2020
Guest Senior Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University, 2017 - 2022
Research Associate, Liverpool John Moores University, 2016 - 2019
Research Manager, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 2014 - 2014
Guest Senior Lecturer, University of Porto, Porto, 2013 - 2016
Senior Lecturer, Porto Social Work School, 2011 - 2015
Research Fellow, Institute of Sociology, University of Porto, Porto, 2007 - 2015

Top