Melina Malli

Social Scientist

Melina is a social scientist who focuses on disability, social care, stigma, and social inclusion. She explores how people experience identity and belonging and how we can build more inclusive communities. Her research looks at intellectual and developmental disabilities, Tourette’s syndrome, and ageing, as well as how to improve social care for marginalised groups. She is particularly interested in tackling stigma and isolation through education, contact, and advocacy.

“I originally studied Classical Studies in Athens, Greece, but somehow found my way into psychology, social science, and disability studies. I’m still figuring out how to bring together my love for Ancient Greece, social science, and psychology—it’s a work in progress!”

The launch of Melina’s book, Tourette’s Syndrome, Stigma, and Society’s Jests, takes place in May 2025.

Find out more about Tourette’s syndrome and Melina’s work:

NIHR SSCR Webinar – Focus on development disabilities

It’s more than just swearing… How a heart surgeon with Tourette’s syndrome loses his tics the moment he picks up his scalpel

Billie Eilish and Tourette’s: our new study reveals what it’s really like to live with the condition

How to tell if you’ve REALLY got Tourette’s as Mel Sykes self-diagnoses disorder that affects Lewis Capaldi and Billie Eilish: Doctors say you CAN suddenly get tics in your 50s… but the true cause might be something else

Why Tourette’s syndrome isn’t a joke

The Truth About Tourette’s – BBC Sounds