The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the appointment of Professor Hua Dong as Director of The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design (HHCD). Taking up her role in October 2025, Professor Dong brings a wealth of expertise in inclusive design, as well as a longstanding association with the Centre and its mission to shape a more inclusive future.
The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design is the RCA’s longest-running research centre. It specialises in inclusive design for population ageing, the prevalence of disability, and health and social care, delivering positive impact across society—from individuals and healthcare providers to third-sector organisations and commercial partners.
Professor Dong’s appointment marks a return to the HHCD, where she was a Visiting Fellow between 2004 and 2006. She has collaborated extensively with researchers at the HHCD on projects spanning design education, industry partnerships and healthcare innovation, including co-editing the seminal publication Design for Inclusivity and contributing to the award-winning Design Bugs Out programme for the NHS with Dr Chris McGinley.
On the appointment, Lady Helen Hamlyn said:
‘Professor Hua Dong’s appointment reflects The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design’s commitment to global leadership in inclusive design. Her exceptional record of research and international collaboration, combined with an understanding of the Centre’s values and history, make her ideally placed to lead the next chapter of its development.’
Professor Christoph Lindner, President and Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art, added:
‘We are delighted to welcome Professor Dong as Director of The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design. She brings a compelling vision and impressive international experience to a Centre that is integral to the RCA’s research culture and impact.’
The appointment of Professor Dong, alongside the recent appointments of Professor Claire Craig and Professor Paul Chamberlain as the Helen Hamlyn Chairs of Design, marks an important step in positioning the HHCD for future success.
Professor Dong joins the RCA from Brunel University of London, where she is Professor in Design and Director of the Brunel Design Research Centre. She holds a BEng in Industrial Design, a Master’s in Architecture from Tongji University, and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Over the past two decades, she has established a global reputation as a leader in inclusive design research and advocacy, founding the Inclusive Design Research Group at Brunel, establishing China’s first Inclusive Design Research Centre, and producing the country’s first industrial guidance on inclusive design (with Alibaba).
Professor Dong’s academic and industry achievements are matched by her dedication to nurturing future generations of researchers. She has supervised over a dozen PhD candidates and mentored many early career researchers. Professor Dong sits on several international academic and advisory boards, including the Design Research Society, where she is Vice-Chair of the Executive Board and Convenor of its Inclusive Design Special Interest Group.
MORE: rca.ac.uk/helen-hamlyn-centre
