Disability Fellowships
In 2022, the Melbourne Disability Institute (MDI) awarded two highly competitive Disability Research Fellowships, supporting Dr Raelene West and Dr Yi Yang to advance innovative, impactful disability research.
Since then, both Fellows have played a key role in strengthening MDI’s leadership in the field, driving evidence‑based policy, deepening public understanding of disability inequities, and building meaningful partnerships across government, community organisations, and academia.
Together, their work spans lived‑experience‑driven qualitative research through to advanced data analytics, demonstrating the breadth and depth of MDI’s contribution to shaping future disability policy and practice.
Dr Yi Yang – Research Fellow, NDIS Research and Data Insights Hub
Dr Yi Yang’s fellowship delivers high‑value research outputs, strong media visibility, and major competitive funding successes. Her work in 2025 significantly advances understanding of disability‑related inequities, particularly in cancer outcomes and the gendered experiences of psychosocial disability. She is actively positioning the University of Melbourne as a leader in disability‑focused data science and health equity research
Key achievements
Six peer reviewed journal articles, including four as first or co-author, reflecting strong research leadership.
Published research on cancer inequalities generated substantial public, media, and academic interest, underscoring the national relevance of her findings.
National and international visibility: Four invited talks and two additional conference presentations, demonstrating recognition of her expertise.
Media engagement across major outlets: ABC TV News, ABC News Radio, The Guardian (Australia), Powerd Media (a disability led media platform), Two Conversation articles (February and May)
Leadership in collaborative research
Co-lead on an MDHS supported Melbourne Data Analytic Platform project using agent-based modelling to examine how the NDIS affects employment and mental health.
Appointed University of Melbourne lead on a $631,216 project commencing January 2026 to develop an Optimal Care Pathway for people with disability, in partnership with Cancer Council Victoria and Australian Federation of Disability Organisations
Major funding success
Successful ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) application
- $524,478 awarded for research addressing gender inequalities among women with psychosocial disability.
- Supported by an MDI aligned 2026 strategic RTP scholarship, with planning and recruitment initiated in Q4.
Awarded a $50,000 UoM DECRA Establishment Grant to support project commencement.
Academic leadership and service
Invited to serve as Guest Editor for a special issue of the Journal of Health Equity, reflecting her growing international profile.
Dr Raelene West – Research Fellow, Disability Policy and Lived Experience Research
Dr West has sadly passed away. We invite you to read our tribute to our friend and colleague, honouring her remarkable work and the lasting impact she had on our community.
Dr Raelene West’s work deepened MDI’s engagement with disability communities and strengthened the evidence base on the lived experience of the NDIS. Through her qualitative research, leadership of the Disability Research Community of Practice, and contributions to major university events, she played a central role in shaping discourse on disability rights, service delivery, and inclusive urban design.
Key achievements
Advanced qualitative research on NDIS outcomes
Led an influential research program examining the impact and outcomes of the NDIS, providing critical insights into participant experiences and systemic challenges.
Progressed research on priority disability systems
Conducted qualitative investigations into the Community Visitor’s Program and the direct employment of Disability Support Workers, strengthening the evidence base for policy and practice reform.
Provided leadership in university‑wide disability discourse
Hosted MDI’s Disability Research Community of Practice, fostering collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and people with lived experience.
Supported emerging researchers
Facilitated the MDI PhD Scholar Program, delivering sessions across a range of topics to build capability and confidence among early‑career disability researchers.
Shaped national conversations on disability and the built environment
Served as co‑convener and organiser of the University of Melbourne’s Ableist Cities Symposium, a major event exploring disability rights, urban design, and structural ableism.