PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Northumbria University, United Kingdom
Curriculum Vitae
Academic qualifications, professional appointments, research leadership, public engagement and core skills of Kandianos Sakalidis, PhD.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Kandianos Sakalidis, PhD
Interdisciplinary researcher and educator working across psychology, inclusive physical activity, dementia and social care.
PROFILE
Research with an inclusive and applied focus
My work explores strategies that can support people with disabilities and long-term conditions to participate in inclusive activities and health behaviours. I am particularly interested in reducing health inequalities, improving meaningful participation and translating research into practical change.
01
EDUCATION
Academic qualifications
Master of Adapted Physical Activity
KU Leuven, Belgium
BSc Physical Education and Sport Science
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
02
EMPLOYMENT
Professional appointments
From September 2026
Lecturer in Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation
CDUTCM-Keele Joint Health and Medical Sciences Institute
February 2025 - December 2026
Teaching Fellow - Northumbria University (AFHEA Candidate)
February 2024 - July 2026
Research Fellow - Meaningful Engagement in Advanced Dementia (MEAD)
July 2023 - June 2026
Principal Investigator - Coach-Athlete Relationship in Special Olympics (CARSO)
September 2023 - August 2024
Research Associate - International Biathlon Union Project
March 2023 - July 2023
Editorial Assistant - European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity
January 2023 - July 2023
Senior Research Assistant - SUPAL Project
January 2022 - May 2022
Teaching Laboratory Coordinator
October 2021 - December 2021
Demonstrator
September 2017 - July 2018
Adapted Education Specialist
September 2017 - July 2018
Adapted Physical Activity Specialist
February 2017 - April 2017
Assistant Project Manager (Internship)
October 2016
Research Assistant - Special Olympics Czech Republic
January 2014 - October 2014
Adapted Physical Activity Specialist
RESEARCH LEADERSHIP AND FUNDING
Grant involvement
I have contributed to multiple grant applications as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator, working across interdisciplinary projects in health, inclusion, dementia, learning disabilities, mobility and physical activity.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
Memberships and roles
- Associate Fellow of Advance HE (AFHEA)
- European Federation of Adapted Physical Activity
- Alzheimer’s Research UK Northern Alliance Network
- Editorial Board Member, European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity
Previous memberships and roles
- Former member, Optimising Sport and Performance Research Group, Northumbria University
- Former member, Psychology and Communication Technology Lab, Northumbria University
- Former Northumbria University Colleague of Reviewers
03
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Sharing research beyond academia
European Conference on Adapted Physical Activity
Invited public presentation for Special Olympics on inclusive exercise environments, coaching needs and the diverse requirements of athletes with learning disabilities.
Public engagement with disability charities
Shared doctoral findings with organisations and people with lived experience in the North East of England, supporting dialogue on inclusive practice and participation.
04
CORE SKILLS
Research, teaching and collaboration
01 Qualitative research
02 Quantitative research
03 Participatory and co-produced research
04 Research project leadership
05 Academic teaching and supervision
06 Accessible research communication
07 Stakeholder and community engagement
08 Research evaluation
09 Translating evidence into practice
Publications and research outputs
A separate publications page contains my academic publications and research outputs.