About

Dr Reza Safari is a Senior Lecturer in Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of Derby. Since joining in 2016 as a Research Fellow, he has contributed extensively to programme development, module leadership, research supervision, and academic citizenship. With over two decades of experience in academia and clinical practice, he plays a key role in advancing the University’s prosthetics and orthotics education and research portfolio.

Reza has been instrumental in delivering the Prosthetics/Orthotics Apprentice Degree Programme, as well as integrating research-informed and evidence-based practice into core and specialist modules. He is actively engaged in academic mentorship, peer learning, and reflective teaching to enhance student outcomes.

Research interests

Reza’s research focuses on improving the clinical effectiveness, functionality, and user experience of prosthetic and orthotic devices. He also explores digital self-management interventions, chronic disease rehabilitation, and pressure ulcer prevention. His interdisciplinary research spans both clinical and behavioural health outcomes.

He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications, several of which have contributed to REF submissions and international collaborative projects.

Research interests include:

• Prosthetics and Orthotics

• Applied Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

• Digital Health and Self-Management

• Chronic Condition Management

• Research Ethics and Governance

• Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

He welcomes collaboration and offers PhD supervision in these areas.

Recent publications

Reza’s recent publications cover a range of topics, including prosthetic design and evaluation, management of chronic conditions, and digital health technologies. His work is widely cited and contributes to clinical best practices and policy development. A list of his publications is available at the

University of Derby Online Research Archive

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Z1piqhIAAAAJ&hl=en

Membership of professional bodies

Professional interests

• Associate Editor, Prosthetics and Orthotics International

• Member, University Ethics Committee

• PhD supervision 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. Prosthetics and Orthotics - University of Strathclyde, UK
• MSc Prosthetics and Orthotics - University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Iran
• BSc Prosthetics and Orthotics - University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Iran

In the media

Blog Post - Which therapies work best in reducing fatigue?

International experience

Previously, he worked as an Assistant Professor of Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Iran.

Teaching responsibilities

Reza teaches across undergraduate prosthetics and orthotics programmes and postgraduate students. His teaching approach combines clinical relevance, research evidence, and inclusive pedagogy. He leads and contributes to modules in:

• Prosthetic and Orthotic Practice

• Biomechanics, Anatomy and Physiology

• Evidence-Based Practice

• Work-Based Project (Dissertation)

• PGR Supervision 

He also plays a key role in Clinical Skills Weeks and delivers structured one-to-one supervision, particularly within apprenticeship and final-year projects. Reza supervises PhD students and is engaged in ongoing curriculum enhancement aligned with professional body standards.