Our people
Who we are
The Disability Collaboratory team are passionate advocates for disability inclusion and research.
To contact the team, email disabilitycollaboratory@uq.edu.au
Director
Professor Paul Harpur is an internationally recognised scholar in disability rights and inclusive education, based at the T.C. Beirne School of Law.
As a former Paralympian, lawyer, and award-winning researcher, he brings both lived experience and academic expertise to the role of director.
Paul has advised governments, universities and global organisations on disability inclusion, and his leadership ensures the Collaboratory drives real-world change through research, policy and practice.
Deputy Director
Professor Sean Tweedy is a leading researcher in adapted physical activity and Paralympic sport, based at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences.
Sean has worked extensively with international sporting bodies to ensure classification systems are fair, evidence-based and inclusive. His expertise in health, sport and physical activity strengthens the Collaboratory’s focus on wellbeing, participation, and scalable services for people with disability.
Manager
Dr Charlotte (Charlie) Petit is the manager of the Disability Collaboratory.
With a PhD in polymer chemistry and extensive experience in research administration, Charlie has led complex research portfolios and built collaborations across academia, government and industry.
Charlie is a passionate advocate for equity, mental health and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. She connects research with lived experience to support inclusive, co-designed solutions that improve participation and wellbeing for people with disability.