US Academic Receives University of Exeter Scholar Award Sponsored by the US-UK Fulbright Commission
A new scholar has been appointed to conduct a nine-month research study in Exeter under the US-UK Fulbright Commission’s educational exchange programme.
Dr Korijna Valenti, a faculty member in the Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has received the University of Exeter Scholar Award, sponsored by the US-UK Fulbright Commission, to conduct a nine-month research project beginning in January 2027. Hosted by the University of Exeter, Dr Valenti will be working alongside Professor Vicki Goodwin and will also work with Professor Kathryn Almack at the University of Hertfordshire, who is an established lead in this area of work.
Dr Valenti will investigate what prevents or enables trust-building between healthcare professionals and LGBTQ+ older adults during serious illness conversations across the UK.
Working with researchers from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaborations South West and East of England, Dr. Valenti will collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and community organisations in the South West and London. She will examine how intersecting identities and social context shape communication, trust, and equitable care. The findings will inform practical communication resources designed to strengthen inclusive, person-centered care for older adults in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Commenting on receiving the award, Dr Valenti said, “Trust is fundamental to high-quality serious illness care, yet too many LGBTQ+ older adults continue to experience barriers to feeling seen, heard, and respected during some of the most important conversations of their lives. The University of Exeter Scholar Award provides an extraordinary opportunity to learn from colleagues and communities across the UK while building lasting international collaborations. I hope this work generates practical strategies that strengthen communication and improve equitable care for older adults in both the United Kingdom and the United States.”
More information about the Commission and this year’s scholars (including Dr Valenti) can be found here: Dr Valenti will investigate what prevents or enables trust-building between healthcare professionals and LGBTQ+ older adults during serious illness conversations across the UK.
Working with researchers from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaborations South West and East of England, Dr. Valenti will collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and community organisations in the South West and London. She will examine how intersecting identities and social context shape communication, trust, and equitable care. The findings will inform practical communication resources designed to strengthen inclusive, person-centered care for older adults in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Commenting on receiving the award, Dr Valenti said, “Trust is fundamental to high-quality serious illness care, yet too many LGBTQ+ older adults continue to experience barriers to feeling seen, heard, and respected during some of the most important conversations of their lives. The University of Exeter Scholar Award provides an extraordinary opportunity to learn from colleagues and communities across the UK while building lasting international collaborations. I hope this work generates practical strategies that strengthen communication and improve equitable care for older adults in both the United Kingdom and the United States.”
More information about the Commission and this year’s scholars (including Dr. Valenti) can be found here: https://fulbright.org.uk/our-community/meet-our-grantees/
