Sreya Chattopadhyay

(she/her)

Biography

Sreya Chattopadhyay is a PhD researcher at Cardiff University’s School of Social Sciences, specialising in migrant care work, labour exploitation, and modern slavery in the adult social care sector in Wales. She is a member of the MSSS, CARE and MEAD research groups. Her research interests lie at the intersection of social justice, wellbeing, and structural inequality, with a focus on translating academic insights into community impact.

Before commencing her doctoral studies, Sreya held multidisciplinary roles across research, wellbeing, and community engagement in both the UK and India. As Health Projects Coordinator and Research Lead at Gosport Voluntary Action, she led NIHR- and NHS-funded projects exploring health inequality, youth antisocial behaviour, and service accessibility for marginalised communities. She also conducted accessibility audits and co-developed policy recommendations to inform primary care delivery. Additionally, Sreya has worked as a Research Assistant at the International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology, University of Portsmouth, supporting qualitative and experimental studies on deception detection in forensic interviewing.

Alongside her research career, she has extensive experience in mental health and wellbeing services. At Catch22 Charity Ltd., she provided trauma-informed support to individuals transitioning out of the justice system, led service innovations, delivered practitioner training, and led research on cognitive vulnerabilities within the justice system. She works as a Workplace Wellbeing Consultant at Antarang Foundation, designing wellbeing strategies for improving employee experience and delivering staff support interventions.

She has facilitated harm prevention and emotional wellbeing workshops for over 600 adolescents across India and contributed guest lectures on restorative practices and social impact careers at UK universities for postgraduate students. In addition to her research and practitioner roles, Sreya has supported student communities as a Residential Mentor and Peer Guide at Bangor University, fostering inclusive environments and promoting student wellbeing and engagement.

Sreya holds an MSc in Criminal Psychology and Forensic Investigation from the University of Portsmouth and a BA (Joint Honours) in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Psychology from Bangor University. Her professional path reflects a commitment to using research as a tool for empowerment, equity, and systemic change. She welcomes opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration that advance evidence-based policy and practice.

Honours and awards

• WGSSS (Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences) Doctoral Studentship, Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) – Cardiff University (2025)
• Vice Chancellor’s Global Development Scholarship – University of Portsmouth (2021)
• Silver Award for Outstanding Contribution in Societies & Volunteering – Bangor University (2021)
• British Council GREAT Full-Year Tuition Fee Waiver Scholarship – Bangor University (2018)

Speaking engagements

• Guest Lecturer – University of Chichester (April 2025): Delivered a lecture on restorative practices in the criminal justice system, linking theory and practice.
• Guest Lecturer – University of Portsmouth (April, May 2024): Presented at the ‘Festival of Crime’ and postgraduate career guidance event on justice-sector employment and careers in social impact.
• Workshop Facilitator – Hutchings High School & Junior College, RIMS International School & Junior College, Emmanuel Public School, India (March, April, July, September 2025): Designed and delivered harm prevention and emotional wellbeing workshops for over 600 students aged 13 to 18 years.

Supervisors

Sofia Vougioukalou

Research Fellow, CARE

Paul Willis

Academic and research staff