Spotlight

Meet Gail May... 

I’m Gail May, Director of the Office for Postgraduate Research and Engagement at the University of East London (UEL).

Where did it all start for you?

My professional life began in East London in 1993. Since then, I’ve worked across education, research support, and engagement - three interconnected areas that shaped my connection to Tower Hamlets and, ultimately, led to my involvement in developing the HDRC proposal.

What does the HDRC partnership mean to UEL?

It’s been a real privilege to collaborate with colleagues across the HDRC partnership. Each partner brings something distinct to the table. Seeing those contributions come together to shape something more than the sum of its parts has been both exciting and energising.

Why was it important for UEL to be a part of the partnership?

From the outset, my aim was for UEL to contribute to building infrastructure that supports research co-produced with our communities and partners. We want research that is rooted in place, driven by local priorities, and capable of making a real difference in the lives of Tower Hamlets residents.

If you were stuck in a lift and had to sum up HDRC, what would you say?

The HDRC is, at its core, a collaboration focused on enabling culture change. It’s about embedding evidence into everyday decision-making, not just in principle, but in practice. And with that comes collective learning - for all of us - about what it really takes to shift systems and centre community voices. From participatory approaches to knowledge exchange, from trust-building to genuine co-production, the work isn’t always easy, but it’s vital.

Who else do you work with?

I’m also joined in this work by Zara Schneider, our Health Inequalities Research and Engagement Manager. Zara plays a key role in connecting researchers to the HDRC, helping them navigate council and community priorities, and supporting the development of research, engagement, and learning that is inclusive, relational, and impactful.