Bradford research project packs a right royal punch
Bradford, UK – A research project led by the University of Bradford and WomenCentre, Calderdale has received royal recognition from Queen Camilla for its innovative approach to supporting women who have experienced trauma.
The project, titled MARIANA (MARtial Arts for womeN who have experienced trauma), explored how martial arts can aid recovery by fostering empowerment, community, and emotional resilience. The research was conducted in partnership with Healing Moves, a local martial arts programme run by TSX International Chief Instructor Master Keith Raistrick and Instructor Sue Jones and funded by the University’s School of Social Sciences.
In a personal letter, Her Majesty Queen Camilla wrote:
“Many thanks for your letter. I was very sorry to read that you have experienced trauma and am full of admiration for your determination to help others through your martial arts and self-defence programme. What a difference you must have made to so many through your classes. Thank you also for the fascinating research paper, which is a great testament to your work.”
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“I’m thrilled to share some truly heartening news,” said Dr Peter Branney, Associate Professor of Social Psychology and Director of Postgraduate Research. “This recognition is a powerful testament to the impact of our work and the dedication of the research team with whom I had the great privilege of working: Ayesha Hussain and Drs Nazanin Shiraj and Hannah Intezar.”
Transformative Findings with Real-World Impact
The study involved interviews with women participating in Healing Moves classes, revealing six key themes: healing and empowerment, safety and community, psychological support, trauma recovery, confidence building, and the importance of a positive environment.
Participants described the programme as “life-saving” and “empowering,” with one woman saying it helped her “rewrite her book” after trauma. The research used a dialogical approach, drawing on the University’s world-leading expertise in this area, to understand how shared spaces and collective healing can rebuild confidence and agency.
Strategic Alignment with University Research Priorities
The MARIANA project exemplifies the University of Bradford’s strategic focus on applied research with societal and commercial value. It aligns with plans to establish two new research institutes—one in Health and Social Care, and another in Digital and Sustainable Futures.
“This recognition from Queen Camilla highlights the kind of research we are proud to champion at the University of Bradford - research that is deeply rooted in community needs, delivers measurable societal impact, and aligns with our strategic goals,” said Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation. Projects like MARIANA demonstrate how applied research can transform lives while contributing to regional development and national recognition.”