About Us
The Bridge Institute is an independent think tank that conducts research of the highest academic standing to produce innovative yet practical policy solutions centring on Muslims in Britain. We utilise rigorous research methods embedded in sociological and political science theories to inform our findings. However, we understand the need to provide tangible, pragmatic outcomes so that policy practitioners can activate real world change. Our philosophy, then, is straightforward: conduct complex research, produce practical solutions. We are unique because we seek to bridge the gap between academia and policy by ensuring that our research is "impact-literate". Our research predominantly centres on three main themes:
- Belonging and integration
- Social mobility, and
- Discrimination
Executive Team
Dr. Abida Malik - Director of Research
Abida is a sociologist who studies identities, citizenship, globalization and religion. She is the Director of Research at Bridge institute and a tutor of Sociology at the University of Nottingham. She completed her BA in Sociology, Masters in Research Methods and gained ESRC award for a PhD in Sociology. She completed her doctorate which was based on stigma and performance of British Muslim civic actors in Britain. Her modules for teaching include: ‘Culture in Contemporary Society’, ‘Policy and Social Justice’ and more recently ‘Culture, Identity and Deviance’. She holds an associate teacher accreditation (ATP) attained at the University of Nottingham.
Dr. Emily Wykes - Post Doctorate Research Fellow
Emily received her PhD in Sociology from the University of Nottingham, which specialised in the racialisation of names and racism within the UK. She has published several articles and blogs based on her research, and has worked for several years as a Tutor in Sociology at the University of Nottingham. She has previously worked in various roles in the not-for-profit sector.
Louis Carserides - Policy and Public Affairs Executive
Louis graduated from the London School of Economics with an MSc in Social Policy (Research). He has worked in the private sector for a RealBusiness Future 50 listed start-up company and for a cyber intelligence organisation.
Louis graduated from the London School of Economics with an MSc in Social Policy (Research). He has worked in the private sector for a RealBusiness Future 50 listed start-up company and for a cyber intelligence organisation. He has also worked as a researcher for Practical Wisdom R2Z. His main academic and research interests centre on grassroots organisations & civil society and social inequalities. Louis has co-written an academic working paper on the voluntary sector which was presented at Sheffield Hallam University and has also presented independent research on grassroots sustainability to the University of Liverpool and the Institute of Historical Research. He is also a trustee on the board of a peer-reviewed journal, the Voluntary Sector Studies Network, and the Voluntary Action History Society.