Stellenbosch University researcher receives R12m grant to study disability and wellbeing in young people

Dr Zara Trafford, a scholar in disability studies at Stellenbosch University, has been awarded a R12 million grant for her research project that focuses on young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

She recently received the grant, often known as the Wellcome Early-Career Award, which is presented by Wellcome Trust, a charity organisation based in England. 

The university said she is its first researcher to receive the award.

Dr Trafford’s project focuses on young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as joy, belonging, pleasure, and meaning. The research will explore how these elements shape wellbeing and identity, she said.

“Children and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are consistently excluded from opportunities for socialisation, recreation, and activities that bring joy. They are often absent from discussions about how human connection, communication, and a sense of purpose support mental health, particularly during adolescence and early adulthood.

“This exclusion, which negatively affects identity formation, access, and participation throughout the life course, is in direct contravention of our country’s Constitution, as well as African Union and United Nations guidelines,” she said.

The five-year grant supports early-career scientists undertaking innovative health research while building their independent academic careers.

Over the next five years, the university said Dr Trafford will collaborate with a range of civil organisations including surfing teams that train people with disabilities, and a dance partnership between a local theatre and a school for deaf and hearing-impaired young people.

A Lived Experience Advisory Panel made up of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will help shape the research from start to finish, to ensure that their voices remain central to the design, implementation, and communication of the project’s findings.

Dr Trafford said she will adapt her findings into a set of copyright-free children’s books and will collaborate with disabled co-researcher teams in Uganda and Kenya.

“I’m especially interested in the role of social connectedness and occupation - the activities that engage individuals and add value to their daily lives, including relationships, participation and how these support mental health and quality of life,” she said.

Andy Sarjudeen, the media manager for Wellcome Trust, confirmed that Dr Trafford has received the award, and added that "we run three rounds of this funding scheme each year."