Catherine Holloway

Professor Catherine Holloway is the Professor of Interaction Design & Innovation at University College London (UCL), as well as the Co-founder and Academic Director of the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub). Her research focuses on disability innovation, human-computer interaction, and global policy, aiming to design technologies that enhance human capabilities and foster a fairer future, especially for communities in the Global South. Under her leadership, the GDI Hub became the World Health Organization's (WHO) first Collaborating Centre on Assistive Technology and has implemented over £50 million worth of projects across 41 countries, benefiting 64 million people. Professor Holloway has published more than 190 papers and contributed to the book Disability Interactions: Creating Inclusive Innovations. Her work has had a profound impact on global policy, academic research, and grassroots innovation ecosystems, driving the development of fairer, more connected, and inclusive societies.

• 2016–Present·Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub)·Co-Founder & Academic Director
  • Leads the Innovation Cluster and Evidence and Data Cluster, driving the implementation of the flagship AT2030 program.
  • Designed and launched multiple global innovation projects such as Innovate Now and the AT Impact Fund.
  • Made significant contributions to the WHO-UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology.
• 2010–Present·University College London (UCL)·Professor of Interaction Design & Innovation
  • Leads the UCL Interaction Centre and developed the Master's program in Disability, Design, and Innovation.
  • Conducts research on future technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, haptics, and mobility technologies) to address poverty and inclusivity.

• 2006–2010·National University of Ireland·PhD
  • Focused on Human-Computer Interaction and Assistive Technology.
• 2002–2006·Trinity College Dublin·Bachelor's Degree
  • Majored in Engineering, specializing in Bioengineering and Technology Design.