Profile
Dr Purcell currently leads a project with seven colleagues from across six universities in Wales exploring how children with and without disabilities are interacting with the outdoors, using a behaviour change framework. Our Wales Active TraveL ReseArch ConSortium (ATLAS) aims to explore the influence of active journeys and sustainable transportation on health and well-being and how to ensure the benefits are accessible to all. We also evaluate the quality of green and blue spaces and the impact that travelling actively has on our natural and built environments.
She positions on national and international neurodiversity committees, including for example, the Welsh Government Neurodiversity Clinical Advisory Group and she is vice Chair of the International Society of Research and Advocacy for Developmental Coordination Disorder (ISRA-DCD). She also been invited to join the mental health, participation and quality of life working group for the next revision of International Clinical Practice Recommendations for DCD. Dr Purcell also sits on the Welsh Government's Active Travel to Schools National Advisory Group, which advises the Active Travel Board on ways to support the effective implementation of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013.
In addition, Dr Purcell leads Research and Development for Occupational Therapy based in the School of Healthcare Sciences, and she is an Associate Lead for the Population Health Research Theme, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences (BLS), Cardiff University. She also Chair the Occupational Therapy Research and Evidence Based Practice Network (ORiENT), which aims to support a Welsh occupational therapy research environment and enable occupational therapists to undertake audit, service evaluation and research to improve outcomes for the people of Wales.
Dr Catherine Purcell, Cardiff UniversityI am passionate about promoting Wales’ strengths in research and innovation on a global stage. Through my work, I have developed strong partnerships across academia, third sector, health and policy, with a focus on inclusivity and impact. Joining the Ambassador Wales | Llysgennad Cymru Network offers an opportunity to showcase Welsh excellence, strengthen international collaborations and contribute to shaping policy and practice that benefits communities in Wales and beyond. I am committed to celebrating Wales’ bilingual identity and fostering connections that highlight the unique assets and values of our nation."
