Rafaela Neiva Ganga

I am a Professor in Public Sociology 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.