Dr. Ishfaq Vaja joined Heriot-Watt University Dubai in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience from both academia and the healthcare sector in the United Kingdom. A passionate advocate for public health, Dr. Vaja completed a PhD at Liverpool John Moores University, focusing on the intersection of health psychology and public health. His doctoral research explored the psychological and behavioral factors contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes, culminating in the creation of a targeted intervention strategy.

Dr. Vaja has held academic roles at several prestigious universities, where he contributed to teaching and research in public health and health psychology. Alongside his academic career, he has worked extensively within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), gaining firsthand experience in patient care and health promotion. At Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Dr. Vaja continues to inspire students while advancing research that bridges academia and real-world health challenges.

Research Interests: behavior change, health promotion, health interventions, cultural diversity, long-term conditions, change management, intervention design, behavioral science, health behaviors, maternal health, sustainability, higher education, student engagement.

Research Methods Expertise: qualitative methods, mixed-methods, focus groups, interviews, creative and visual methods, surveys, community-based participatory research.

Dr. Ishfaq Vaja has extensive experience in media engagement, including appearances on radio, television, and contributions to print media. He is an expert commentator on topics related to health and well-being, human behavior, and long-term health conditions. Dr. Vaja’s insights extend to areas such as behavior change, cultural diversity in health care, health promotion, public health interventions, and the psychological aspects of chronic illness management.

Dr. Vaja’s ability to translate complex health and behavioral science concepts into accessible and engaging narratives makes him a sought-after voice in media discussions. His expertise also includes sustainability in health practices, maternal health, and higher education, with a focus on student well-being and engagement. 

Behavior change, health promotion, health interventions, cultural diversity, long-term conditions, change management, intervention design, behavioral science, health behaviors, maternal health, sustainability, higher education, student engagement, psychological factors, behavioral factors, public health, health psychology, community-based health approaches, chronic illness management, innovative health strategies, patient-centered interventions, and participatory research methods.

Contact to discuss research, collaboration, consultancy, or supervision using: [email protected]