Bio
Zainab Garba-Sani is a Stanford-affiliated Research Scholar and UK Commonwealth Fund Senior Harkness Fellow (2022–23), working at the intersection of health policy, science, and community-centred practice. Her work focuses on how emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, genomics, and regenerative medicine can be translated responsibly into real-world health impact—particularly for underserved populations and people living with chronic and rare conditions.
Her research and practice are grounded in bridging cutting-edge science and innovation with lived experience, with a focus on inclusive design, governance, and real-world implementation. She is the founder of ACCESS AI, an initiative advancing equitable and inclusive approaches to health AI through diverse community engagement, meaningful co-production, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through this work, she contributes to broader conversations on AI governance, data equity, and the societal implications of innovation.
Alongside this, Garba-Sani collaborates internationally with academic institutions, healthcare systems, civil society, industry, and governments to strengthen innovation pathways and care models for sickle cell and other historically neglected populations, including in low-and middle- income countries. She holds senior advisory and leadership roles across health and research ecosystems, including Vice Chair of the UK Sickle Cell Society, Founding Chair of NHS England’s Sickle Cell Transformation Patient Advisory Group, Co-Chair of Genomics England’s Diverse Data Advisory Board, and advisor to multiple committees focused on gene and cell therapies, regenerative medicine, health equity and rare diseases.
She holds an MSc in Health Policy from Imperial College London and brings extensive experience in healthcare leadership, having previously served in senior roles at NHS England, TEDxNHS, and the NHS Muslim Network. Her contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including the UK Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award.