Dr Naz Ali

Before joining Buckinghamshire New University in August 2023, I was Senior Lecturer in Events and Leisure Management and led the MSc Sports Management course at the University of East London.  At the University of East London, I received awards for my Careers-Led Teaching and Learning, and Innovative Teaching.  Also, I was part of several initiatives across the University of East London that aimed to promote health gain, learning gain and career gain through sport and physical activity. 

I studied for my PhD in Tourism Studies at the University of Bedfordshire (2002-2008), MA Social Policy (1999-2001) and BA (Hons) Sociology (1996-1999) at Middlesex University. I also hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education awarded by Staffordshire University (2008).  I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and a Member of the British Sociological Association (BSA) 

I am a Sociologist, and my specialist areas of research interests are in culture, ethnicity, race, religion, and diasporas in the realm of sociology of events, hospitality, and tourism. My research interests also focus on qualitative research philosophies, principles, and practices, and I have published in areas of identity, migration, and researcher reflexivity.  My areas of research are interesting because they advance and decipher, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the contribution of people and places in the experience economies of events, hospitality, and tourism.  I am interested in hearing from potential PhD candidates wanting to research in the above areas.   I welcome those who may wish to collaborate and fund research in the areas noted above to also get in touch. 

My specialist knowledge has led me to work with businesses such as London City Airport (England, UK) and Simply Sport Foundation (Bangalore, India) on projects such as Bleisure Travel, Worker Productivity and Well-being with the former, and Breaking Barriers for Women in Sport (A Pilot Study) with the latter. 

My career highlight to date is my ongoing work with Southampton Football Club as a member of their Inclusion Advisory Group. 

• Associate Professor