Research Partner - Disability Assessment, Life Transitions and Human-Centred AI (STAYHLTH-01)

Research Partnership Interest – HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-STAYHLTH-01

The Accessibility Institute at Carleton University, Canada, is seeking to join a European-led research consortium addressing disability, independent living, and inclusion across the life course.

Our particular research interest lies at the intersection of functional assessment, disability and neurodiversity, life-course transitions, and person-centred approaches that strengthen autonomy and participation. We bring interdisciplinary expertise in psychology, accessibility, disability research, and human-centred AI, supported by extensive experience in applied research and partnerships with disability communities and service providers.

Potential research contributions include:

• Functional assessment and support needs: Developing and evaluating person-centred approaches to understanding functioning, participation, accessibility barriers, and individual support needs, including for persons with cognitive, neurodevelopmental, and mental health disabilities.

• Life-course transitions and independent living: Investigating barriers, supports, and opportunities for autonomy and participation across educational, employment, healthcare, and community settings, particularly during transitions to adulthood and employment.

• Person-centred services and human-centred AI: Researching accessible service models, AI-assisted functional assessment, and trustworthy, agency-preserving AI systems that support individuals in navigating services, communicating their needs, and making informed decisions.

• Participatory research and implementation: Co-design with persons with disabilities, mixed-methods research, real-world evaluation, and translation of research findings into accessible services, practices, and policies.

We are interested in contributing to both technology-enabled and non-technological approaches, depending on the consortium's scientific objectives.

Partnership sought

We welcome discussions with established or developing consortia seeking complementary research expertise in these areas. Our preference is for a substantive, clearly defined research role that builds on the Institute's expertise and contributes meaningfully to the call's expected outcomes.