Principal Investigator

Arlene is a Professor of Psychology at Northumbria University. With more than 20 years of research experience, she has dedicated her career to co-producing technology that helps people live and age well — particularly those living with dementia. Her work challenges assumptions about what people with dementia can and can't do with technology, and she has led numerous national and international projects to prove it. Arlene has published widely, with over 240 peer-reviewed papers and a book on everyday technology in dementia care. She leads TEDI Network Plus and brings together the people, ideas, and partnerships needed to make it happen.

Network Manager

Jo keeps TEDI running smoothly. With over a decade of experience managing projects and operational roles across the public sector, she brings real expertise in making complex networks work in practice. Jo is based at Northumbria University and has a particular interest in making sure that research with people living with dementia genuinely involves them — not just in name, but in the way work is designed and delivered. As Network Manager, she coordinates the day-to-day activity of the team, supports communications and events, and helps connect partners and communities across the North East and North Cumbria region.

Innovation Lead

Henry is a Senior Research Fellow in Design at Northumbria University. He holds a PhD in Design. His work sits at the crossroads of design, technology, and social justice — with a particular focus on designing with communities who often get left out of the conversation. He has a hands-on, collaborative approach to research, whether that's running co-design sessions with people living with dementia, piloting Community Tech Hubs, or developing new ways to bring innovative ideas to life through TEDI's Innovation Fund. As Innovation Lead, Henry is responsible for supporting new projects to get off the ground and ensuring that the people TEDI exists to serve are at the centre of everything it does.

Independence Lead

Phil is a researcher with over 15 years of experience working with people living with dementia in both clinical and research settings. His background is in psychology, and his PhD — completed at the University of Sheffield — investigated how people with dementia use touchscreen technology and how existing apps can be made more accessible. Since then, Phil has continued exploring how everyday digital tools can improve quality of life and support independence for people with dementia. He co-edited a widely-used guide to technology in dementia care and now works across both academic and third sector settings. As Independence Lead on TEDI, he focuses on understanding and reducing the practical and digital barriers that can stop people from getting the most out of technology.

Equity Lead

Ríona is a Senior Research Fellow at Newcastle University, with a focus on digital health and dementia. She's particularly interested in the practical and social barriers that can stop people from benefiting from technology — things like where you live, your income, or how well existing tools actually work for people from different backgrounds. Her research has shown real links between deprivation and reduced independence in people living with dementia, and she's passionate about making sure that digital innovation reaches the people who need it most, not just those who are easiest to reach. As Inequalities Lead on TEDI, that's exactly what she's working to change.

Integration Lead

Rob is a Senior Research Software Engineer at Open Lab, Newcastle University — a world-leading research group in interaction design and community technology. His background is in computing, and his work centres on designing, building, and deploying digital tools that are genuinely accessible and engaging for the people who use them. Rob has contributed to a wide range of projects at the intersection of technology and social good, and he brings a practical, technically skilled hand to everything TEDI builds. As Integration Lead, his role is to make sure that the technology TEDI develops and supports works well across different systems, settings, and — most importantly — people's everyday lives.