Dr Ayazullah Safi
Dr Ayazullah Safi is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Life and Sport Sciences and Public Health Research Cluster Lead at School of Life and Health Sciences at Birmingham City University (BCU). He is also the Founder and Chair of the Global Majority Staff Network (GMSN) at BCU, an initiative that promotes inclusivity, dialogue and collaboration across the university community.
Dr Safi’s research focuses on behaviour change, physical activity promotion, sedentary behaviour and community health interventions, with particular emphasis on employees in the workplace and addressing health inequalities among underserved and global majority communities. His interdisciplinary work integrates perspectives from public health, sport and exercise science and health promotion to develop practical interventions that support healthier lifestyles and improved population health outcomes. He has generated over £250,000 in research income, collaborates with regional, national and international organisations, and has presented his research at numerous prestigious conferences. He has authored peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and serves as an expert reviewer for several international academic journals.
Dr Safi teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including BSc Sport and Exercise Science, Coaching and Physical Education, and the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme. Prior to joining BCU, he was a Lecturer at the University of Westminster, where he served as Course Leader for the MSc Sport and Exercise Nutrition programme and School of Life Sciences Ethics Coordinator.
Beyond academia, Dr Safi has extensive experience working within community and educational settings. He previously served as Head of Physical Education in a high school and sixth form college and is the Founder and Director of Anywhere Active, an international health promotion platform focused on improving health and wellbeing through education, physical activity and nutrition.
Dr Safi completed his PhD at BCU and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). He maintains an active national and international media profile and regularly contributes to public engagement initiatives, including hosting the Dr Ayaz Safi Podcast, which explores interdisciplinary discussions across science, society and global affairs.
Areas of Expertise
- Public Health and Health Promotion
- Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Behaviour Change
- Health Inequalities and Global Majority Communities
- Interdisciplinary Public Health and Sport & Exercise Science
- Physical Activity, Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine
- Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Mixed-Methods Research and Statistical Analysis
Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
- PhD in Exercise psychology and Public Health
- MA Sport Studies and Physical Education
- BA (Hons) Sport Studies
- PGCert in Research Practice
- PGCert in Higher Education
- HNC Sport and Exercise Science
Professional Recognition
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
- SEDA Recognised Research Supervisor
- Leadership and Professional Development
- Diversifying Our Leadership Programme, BCU
Professional Certifications
- Level 3 Personal Trainer
- FA Football Coaching Qualification – Level 2
- ECB Cricket Coaching Qualification – Level 2
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Memberships
- Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy (HEA)
- Member, Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA)
- Member, Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
- Member, The Football Association (FA)
- Member, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
- Member, Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA)
Teaching
Dr Safi teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the Department of Life and Sport Sciences within the School of Life and Health Sciences at BCU. His teaching reflects an interdisciplinary approach that integrates public health, physical activity, sport and exercise science, and health promotion.
He contributes to teaching across several programmes including the BSc Sport and Exercise Science, Coaching and Physical Education, and the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme. Dr Safi leads and contributes to a range of modules focusing on leadership, health promotion, physical activity and wellbeing.
Module Leadership
- Leadership Skills and Project Management for Health and Healthcare (Level 7) – MPH
- Children’s Development: Physical, Emotional, Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) – Sports Coaching and Physical Education
Teaching Contributions
- Physical Activity and Health in Practice (Level 5) - Sports Coaching and Physical Education
- Additional teaching and supervision across modules within the MPH programme.
Research
Dr Safi’s research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to improving population health through lifestyle, behavioural and community-based interventions. His work integrates perspectives from public health, sport and exercise science, nutrition, behavioural science and health promotion to address contemporary health challenges and reduce health inequalities.
Key Research Themes
- Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and behaviour change interventions
- Workplace health and wellbeing interventions
- Nutrition, lifestyle medicine and metabolic health
- Health inequalities and global majority communities
- Youth physical activity and health behaviours
- Community-based health promotion
- Mental health and wellbeing in relation to lifestyle behaviours
Selected Research Projects
- Health and wellbeing among international students: examining physical activity, nutrition, stress, cultural adaptation and mental health in the UK higher education context.
- Ethnic health inequalities and community engagement: including research on NHS Health Check awareness and participation.
- Culturally inclusive physical activity interventions: co-producing and piloting community-based movement and behaviour change programmes to reduce physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour among ethnic minority populations.
- Workplace health and behaviour change interventions: evaluating physical activity and lifestyle interventions aimed at improving employee health, wellbeing and productivity.
- Physical activity and health behaviours among young people: including research involving Afghan, South Asian and Arab youth populations in the UK and adolescents in Saudi Arabia.
- Lifestyle medicine and metabolic health: exploring the relationships between nutrition, physical activity, gut microbiome, meal timing and chronic health conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Dr Safi’s research aims to translate evidence into practical interventions that support healthier lifestyles and reduce health inequalities at community and population levels.
Postgraduate Supervision
Dr Safi supervises postgraduate research students in areas related to public health, physical activity, behaviour change, health promotion and health inequalities. He supervises MPH dissertation students and PhD researchers, supporting projects that explore lifestyle behaviours, community health interventions and population health outcomes.
Current PhD Supervision
- Craig Newton – Director of Studies, BCU. Research focus: Understanding user experiences of physical activity trackers and their role in supporting health behaviour change.
- Una Kerin – PhD Supervisor, BCU. Research focus: Exploring older adults’ experiences of hospital-to-home discharge and the implications for health and wellbeing.
- Manpreet Mujral – External Supervisor, University of Westminster, London. Research focus: Investigating gut microbiome diversity and modulation, and its relationship with diet and exercise, particularly among ethnic minority populations.
Dr Safi welcomes enquiries from prospective PhD students interested in research related to public health, sport and exercise science including physical activity, behaviour change, lifestyle medicine, health and wellbeing inequalities.
Publications
Peer Reviewed Articles
- Safi, A., Jadhakhan, F. and Hossain, M., (2026). Ethnic Disparities in Awareness, Engagement and Acceptance of NHS Health Checks: A Community-Led Participatory Study in Birmingham, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8476083/v1
- Jadhakhan, F., Safi, A., Gai, B., Hossain, M. and Alkhatib, A., (2025). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Hypertension Treatment in Delaying/Slowing the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults Aged 18 Years and Above with Impaired Glucose Regulation: A Systematic Review Protocol. European Medical Journal, p.65. EMJ. 2025;10[4]:65-75. https://doi.org/10.33590/emj/BAOK8956
- Safi, A., Hossain, M. and Myers, T., (2025). Faith, health and well-being: a qualitative study exploring Islamic perspectives on physical activity and the role of Imams (scholars). Discover Social Science and Health, 5(1), pp.1-12. | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00236-y
- Safi, A. and Hossain, M., (2025). Promoting workplace physical activity among university employees: the impact of motivational and educational banners on stair use. Discover Public Health, 22(1), p.197. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00586-7
- Safi, A., Khawaja, I., Alkhatib, Collins, and Myers, (2025). A cross-sectional study exploring the sitting time of Afghans and other South Asian youth in the UK. Discover Public Health 22, 249 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00621-7
- Al-Nuaim, A. and Safi, A., (2025). Exploring Sedentary and Nutritional Behaviour Patterns in Relation to Overweight and Obesity Among Youth from Different Demographic Backgrounds in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(5), p.813. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050813
- Al-Nuaim, A., Bursais, A.K., Hassan, M.M., Alaqil, A.I., Collins, P. and Safi, A., (2024), May. Association between Young People’s Neighbourhoods’ Characteristics and Health Risk Factors in Saudi Arabia. In Healthcare (Vol. 12, No. 11, p. 1120). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12111120
- Hossain, M., Anglin, M., Safi, A., Ahmed, Tajbir and Khan, S (2024). Adapting to the Digital Age: An Evaluation of Online Learning Strategies in Public Health and Social Care Education. Education Research International. Hindawi Education Research International Volume 2024, Article ID 5079882, 10 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5079882.
- Hossain, M., Ahmed, T., Khan, S., Safi, A., Adenuga, K. and Anglin, M., (2024). Public Health Implications Amidst the British Curry Conundrum: Challenges and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Restaurants and Workers in the UK. Available at SSRN 4765041. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4765041
- Safi A, Deb S, Kelly A, Cole M, Walker N and Zariwala MG (2024) Incentivised physical activity intervention promoting daily steps among university employees in the workplace through a team-based competition. Front. Public Health 11:1121936. https://doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1121936.
- Sharland, P.B., Haroun, J. and Safi, A., (2023). Exploring the Impact of a Global Pandemic (COVID-19) on Factors Impacting the Resilience of Top-Tier London Hockey Players. Journal of Sports Medicine, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/5346846
- Al-Nuaim, A. and Safi, A., (2023). Factors Influencing Saudi Youth Physical Activity Participation: A Qualitative Study Based on the Social Ecological Model. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(10), p.5785. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20105785
- Safi, A.; Khawaja, I.; Collins, P.; Myers, T., (2023). A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Physical Activity Levels of Afghans and Other South Asian Youth in the UK. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 1087. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021087.
- Al-Nuaim, A.; Safi, A., (2022). The Correlation of Built Environment on Hypertension, and Weight Status amongst Adolescence in Saudi Arabia. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 19, 16763. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416763.
- Allen, K., Safi, A. and Deb, S.K., (2022). An exploration into the impact that shift work has on the nutritional behaviours of UK police officers. British Journal of Nutrition, pp.1- 27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114522002999.
- Safi, A.; Cole, M.; Kelly, A.L.; Zariwala, M.G.; Walker, N.C. (2022). Workplace Physical Activity Barriers and Facilitators: A Qualitative Study Based on Employees Physical Activity Levels. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 19, 9442. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159442.
- Al-Nuaim, A., & Safi, A. (2022). The Impact of Environment on Physical Activity Levels and Obesity among Saudi Arabia Youth: Comparison of Urban; Rural Farm and Rural Desert Geographical Locations. Physical Activity and Health, 6(1), pp. 86–95. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/paah.188.
- Safi, A., Cole, M., Kelly, A., Deb, S., & Walker, N. (2022). A Comparison of Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyle of University Employees through ActiGraph and IPAQ- LF. Physical Activity and Health, 6(1), pp. 5–15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/paah.163.
- Safi, A., (2021). The impact of workplace physical activity interventions on university employee’s health, wellbeing, and behaviour change (Doctoral dissertation, Birmingham City University). https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.856806.
- Safi, A., Cole, M., Kelly, A. L., & Walker, N. C. (2021). An Evaluation of Physical Activity Levels amongst University Employees. Advances in Physical Education, 11, 158-171. https://doi.org/10.4236/ape.2021.112012.
- Safi, A., & Myers, T. (2021). Barriers to Physical Activity: A Comparison of Afghans Living in the UK and Afghanistan. Advances in Physical Education, 11, 103-117. https://doi.org/10.4236/ape.2021.111008.
Media Contributions (Articles)
- Safi, A. (2026). Practical tips for healthy Ramadan fasting. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Practical tips for healthy Ramadan fasting | Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
- Safi, A. (2026). Shorter Days, Steady Energy: Thriving Physically and Mentally During Ramadan: Birmingham City University: Shorter Days, Steady Energy: Thriving Physically and Mentally During Ramadan | Birmingham City University.
- Safi A, (2024) Public Health Researcher gives 5 Tips for a Healthy Ramadan: Birmingham City University. https://www.bcu.ac.uk/health-sciences/about-us/school-blog/5-tips-for-a-healthy- ramadan#edit-7c63fa50-4bdd-ee11-85fb-002248c63101.
- Safi, A. (2022) Health and nutrition during Ramadan. by University of Westminster, London. https://www.westminster.ac.uk/news/dr-ayaz-safi-for-bbc-pashto-on-health-and- nutrition-during-ramadan.
- Safi, A. (2021) Public health crisis in Afghanistan and potential solution. University of Westminster, London. https://www.westminster.ac.uk/news/dr-ayaz-safi-fortolonews- about-the-public-health-crisis-in-afghanistan-and-potential-solutions.
- Safi, A. (2021) Ramadan: four tips to help you eat right and stay healthy. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/profiles/ayaz-safi-1224056/articles.
- Safi, A., (2020). ‘Researcher draws up top nutrition and exercise tips for observing Ramadan during lockdown. Birmingham City University: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/news-events/news/researcher-draws-up-top-nutrition-and- exercisetips-for-observing-ramadan-during-lockdown.
- Safi, A., (2020). UK researcher draws up top nutrition and exercise tips for observing Ramadan during lockdown. GDN Life: https://www.gdnlife.com/Home/ArticleDetail?ArticleId=35136&category=4.
- Safi, A., (2019). ‘How to fast responsibly during the Muslim holy month’. MSN https://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/lifestylegeneral/ramadan-2019-how-to- fastresponsibly-during-the-muslim-holy-month/ar-AAANLwj.
- Safi, A., (2019). ‘How to fast responsibly during the Muslim holy month’. Yahoo News:https://uk.news.yahoo.com/ramadan-2019-fast-responsibly-during 142204635.html?guccounter=1
- Safi, A., (2019). Ramadan – How to fast responsibly during the Muslim holy month’. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/ramadan-2019- how-to-fastislam-tips-advice-how-long-a8896546.html.
- Safi, A., (2019). Ramadan: Fitness Survival Guide. Birmingham City University Press Media Office. https://www.bcu.ac.uk/health-sciences/about- us/school-blog/ramadansurvival-guide.
- Safi, A., (2019). The researcher on a mission to get staff exercising in the office. Publisher Muscle & Fitness: page 141: https://internationalprintmonitoringservice.vuelio.co.uk/file/displaypdf?articleid=34139 0&clientname=109016_BirminghamCityUniversity_PRINT&filename=469985181.pdf.
- Safi, A., (2019). The researcher on a mission to get staff exercise in the office. Publisher Birmingham City University Press office: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/newsevents/news/the-researcher-on-a-mission-to-get-staff- exercising-in-the-office.
- Al-Kateb, H., Cole., M., Safi, A., (2018). ‘Eating right and keeping well during Ramadan’. HealthToday, an award-winning monthly Malaysian magazine. HT 14-17.
- Al-Kateb, H., Cole., M., Safi, A., (2018) ‘Eating right and keeping well during Ramadan’. Birmingham City University Media Press Office. https://www.bcu.ac.uk/news-events/news/eating-right-and-keeping-well- duringramadan.
- Safi, A., Badiani, Y., (Ramadan, 2018). ‘How to stay healthy while fasting during festival’. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/lifestyle/ramadan-2018-fasting-how-stay-healthy- muslim-festival-islam-water-exercisea8377571.html
- Safi, A., (2018). Ramdan: How to stay healthy while fasting during festival. Azerbaijani Vision. https://en.azvision.az/news/87791/ramadan-2018-how-to-stay-healthy-while-fasting-during-festival.html
- Al-Kateb, H., Cole., M., Safi, A., (2018). ‘Eating right and keeping well during Ramadan’. The ‘Times of Oman’ (Lifestyle Wellness). https://timesofoman.com/article/134668.
- Safi, A., (2018). ‘Researchers give tips for a healthy Ramadan’. The Press- reader. https://www.pressreader.com/lebanon/the-daily-star- lebanon/20180516/281599536147237.
- Al-Kateb, H., Cole., M., Safi, A., (2018). ‘How to eat right and keep well during Ramadan’. Aljazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/eat-ramadan180515134738977.html.
- Safi, A., (2017). ‘The importance of exercise psychology in professional cricket’. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/pashto/sport- 39091576.
- Safi, A., (2016). ‘The psychological reasons for losing the winning game of cricket’. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/pashto/sport/2016/09/160926_mental_skills_training_for_afgha n_ricketers.
- Safi, A., (2017). ‘New research aims to get staff fitter’. Birmingham City University. Press Office. http://www.bcu.ac.uk/health- sciences/aboutus/news-and-events/new-research-aims-to-get-staff-fitter.
Conference Presentations
- Mujral. M. K., Begum. G., Zariwala. M. G., Mattin. L. R., Safi. A., (2025). Sensory Perceptions of Inulin-Enriched Vs. Placebo Biscuits: A Feasibility Study. 40th IUPS congress held in partnership with Europhysiology from 11 – 14 September 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany.
- Safi. A., (2025). Keynote presenter – From Posters to Prizes - Multimodal Interventions for Enhancing Workplace Physical Activity and Health. Elevating Wellness 2025+ Advancing Health, Performance & Wellbeing Conference. University of Westminster, London. 03 June 2025.
- Safi. A., (2025). Evaluating the Impact of Motivational Banners on Stair Use Among University Employees: A Mixed Methods Intervention. CSPACE CONFERENCE, 1st JULY 2025 The Transformative Power of Educational Research. Birmingham City University.
- Kamal. A., Westerman. G., Coombs., J and Safi. A., (2024). A qualitative study exploring the experience of nitrous oxide substance use and support needs in South Asian communities. Abstract accepted for the Division of Health Psychology conference by British Psychological Society June 2024.
- Safi, A. (2024). Invited as a lead panel discussion for Nutrition and Health Conference to lead discussion on “Perspectives on Health, Nutrition and Careers in the Field” at the University of Westminster, London. 01 March 2024.
- Mujral, K. A., Mattin, L., Begum, R., Zariwala, MG and Safi, A., (2024). How does Inulin Supplementation effect Metabolic and Gastrointestinal Markers in UK South Asian and Caucasian Participants Consuming a Western Diet: An Investigation into the Gut-Brain-Heart-Axis. Nutrition and Health Conference, Portland Hall, University of Westminster, London. Presentation presented on 01 March 2024.
- Safi, A. (2024). Ethnic Minority Physical Activity – Across sectional study. Presented at the Ramadan Guidance for Schools and Educational Settings, physical education, and Physical Activity. Presented on 29 January 2024 at the Pavilion Birmingham City University.
- Mujral, K. A., Mattin, L., Begum, R., Zariwala, MG and Safi, A., (2024). Inulin Supplementation and impact on Metabolic and Gastrointestinal Markers in UK South Asian and Caucasian Participants Consuming a Western Diet: An Investigation into the Gut-Brain-Heart-Axis. School of Life Sciences Research Conference (Fyvie Hall), University of Westminster, London., Poster Presentation Wednesday & Thursday 17th and 18th January 2024.
- Safi, A.; Cole, M.; Kelly, A.L.; Zariwala, M.G.; Walker, N.C (2023). An incentivised physical activity intervention promoting employee’s physical activity and health in the workplace. Centre for Life & Sport Sciences (C-LaSS) 2023 Conference on 30th June at Birmingham City University.
- Safi, A., (2022). The impact of workplace physical activity & Sedentary behaviour interventions on employees’ health, wellbeing, and behaviour change. School of Life Sciences Seminar, at the University of Westminster London under the theme “Translating Research: From Bench to Public Health” 06 April 2022.
- Safi, A., Cole, M, Walker, N, & Kelly, A.L., (2019). An evaluation of physical activity levels amongst university employees. Research presented at the British Association Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) 2019 annual conference, at the King Power Stadium, Leicester, UK. 19-20 November 2019.
- Safi, A., Kelly, A.L., Cole, M, & Walker, N, (2019). Promoting Physical Activity Amongst University Employees’Through the’10,000 Steps Challenge’. Research presented at the British Psychological Society (BPS) 2019 annual conference, at the Voco St. John’s Solihull, UK. 02- 03 December 2019.
- Safi, A., (2019). Physical activity, health, and well-being interventions in the university workplace. Presentation presented at the 14th annual health conference, at Birmingham City University. 02 July 2019.
- Safi, A., (2019). The importance of engaging in regular physical activity on health and wellbeing. Presentation presented at the RESFEST annual conference, at the Birmingham City University. 03 July 2019.
- Safi, A., Cole., M., and Walker., N, (2018). ‘A comparison of two widely used physical activity monitoring methods to determine physical activity rates of university employees’. Paper/presentation presented at the Public Health Institution Conference, at the Liverpool John Moore University. 04 July 2018.
- Safi, A., Cole., M., and Walker, N., (2018). ‘Do University employees meet the physical activity guidelines’ (within or outside the workplace)? Paper presented at the Population Health and Prevention Conference by Public Health England at Leeds, 07 March 2018.
- Safi, A., Cole., M., and Walker., N, (2018). ‘The Impact of Physical Activity intervention on university employees’ behaviour change, health and well-being. Paper presented at the BASES Division of Physical Activity for Health Divisional Day conference, Coventry University, 08 February 2018.
- Khawaja, I., Woodfield, L., Collins, P., Nevill, A. and Safi, A (2016). Gender differences in physical activity behaviour according to location’. Paper presented at the British Heart Foundation Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health across the Lifespan conference. Coventry University, Coventry, UK. 6 October 2016.
- Khawaja, I., Woodfield, L., Collins, P., Nevill, A. and Safi, A (2016). ‘The use of technology in measuring children’s physical activity. Paper presented at Newman University’s Festival of Doctoral Research. Newman University, Birmingham, UK. 7 July 2016.
- Khawaja, I., Woodfield, L., Collins, P., Nevill, A. and Safi, A (2016). ‘Physical activity location and intensity across the school year: a mixed methods study’. Paper presented at the International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Conference, Cape Town International Convention Centre. Cape Town, South Africa. 8-11 June 2016.
- Khawaja, I., Safi, A., Collins, P., Nevill, A. and Woodfield, L (2015) ‘The measurement of physical activity behaviours of young people’. Paper presented at the International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Conference, Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. 3-6 June 2015.
Media Interviews and Broadcast Contributions - Public Engagement and Knowledge Exchange
Dr Safi is actively involved in translating research into practice through media engagement, digital platforms and community initiatives. He hosts the Dr Ayaz Safi Podcast, where he interviews academics, policymakers and practitioners on topics including public health, wellbeing, international affairs and social issues. The podcast serves as a platform for accessible knowledge exchange, bringing expert perspectives to a global audience.
In addition, Dr Safi founded Anywhere Active, a health-promotion initiative that provides evidence-based guidance on physical activity and wellbeing through multilingual digital content, social media outreach and community engagement activities. Content produced through his podiums has reached over 8 million people across social media and online platforms, supporting wider public awareness of healthy lifestyles and preventative health behaviours.
Media Work
Dr Safi is actively involved in translating research into practice through media engagement, digital platforms and community initiatives. He hosts the Dr Ayaz Safi Podcast, where he interviews academics, policymakers and practitioners on topics including public health, wellbeing, international affairs and social issues. The podcast serves as a platform for accessible knowledge exchange, bringing expert perspectives to a global audience.
In addition, Dr Safi founded Anywhere Active, a health-promotion initiative that provides evidence-based guidance on physical activity and wellbeing through multilingual digital content, social media outreach and community engagement activities. Content produced through his podiums has reached over 8 million people across social media and online platforms, supporting wider public awareness of healthy lifestyles and preventative health behaviours.
Media Interviews and Broadcast Contributions
Dr Safi has provided expert commentary on public health, physical activity and wellbeing across international media platforms, including more than 30 interviews with outlets such as BBC, VOA, RTA, TOLO TV, Shamshad TV and others.
- Safi, A. (2025). Muscle growth and walking benefits health and wellbeing. Interview with BBC Pashto. 27 November 2025 https://youtu.be/ix5jr_LH6wI?si=eBM6cXKM_pwB_qPM
- Safi, A. (2025). The impact of excessive energy-drink consumption on health. Interview with BBC Pashto. August 2025. https://youtu.be/nzNZnoshzDk?si=X6OETmq6D_hoeQSz
- Safi, A. (2025). The importance of maintaining healthy and active lifestyle. Interview with BBC Pashto. 24 February 2025. https://youtu.be/uvVSczA7OD0?si=nFq7xYzx7flT_4dm
- Safi, A. (2024). Importance of engaging in physical activity during Ramadan. Interview with BBC Pashto. 27 March 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0bjOr44b8U
- Safi, A. (2024). Exercise, nutrition, health, and wellbeing. Interview with Voice of America (VOA). 23 March 2024. https://www.darivoa.com/a/7539774.html
- Safi, A. (2024). Five tips for a healthy Ramadan. Interview/Video with Birmingham City University PR. 13 March 2024. https://youtu.be/tU7PpqlZWtQ
- Safi, A. (2024). Nutrition, exercise, health and obesity. Interview with BBC Pashto. 11 March 2024. https://youtu.be/6fTcYRXjv6Y?si=rlylduaFDmOcUtm4
- Interview with BBC Pashto about the importance of sleep and its impact on health and wellbeing. 23 April 2022. Full link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cDjMBR9xIg
- Interview with BBC Pashto about the importance of physical activity/exercise during Ramadan and how people from different abilities and age groups including workers can maintain a healthy and activity lifestyle. 16 April 2022. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bom-HDMmDqY&list=PLp0JsBNFu3G1pth082kqw8R19bkKfbGAY&index=4
- Interview with BBC Pashto about controlling anger, mood swings and helping others and its impact on health and well-being 11 April 2022. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zPiqIhfsbQ
- Interview with BBC Pashto - Dr Ayaz Safi for BBC Pashto on health and nutrition during Ramadan 02 April 2022. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvPaIkdpT6A
- Dr Ayaz Safi interview with BBC Pashto –about healthy and unhealthy habits during Ramadan. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wlE1V0xqEk
- Interview with BBC Pashto about why people use illegal performance enhancement drugs in sports. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0XqCEVHCAI
- Interview with BBC Pashto about how to train athletes to make it to the Olympic 2016. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re4czLvTBW0
- Interview with Tolo News about the public health crisis in Afghanistan and potential solutions. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v471ym-YC_w
- Interview with Shamshad TV about well-being and its impact on health and life. Full link: https://www.facebook.com/Roonsaharr/videos/2903301576596884/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C
- Interview with RTA about the importance of engaging in exercise and nutrition during pregnancy (skip the first 26 minutes). Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3mLzeku2Jk
- Interview with Shamshad TV advice to the government and people of Afghanistan about nutrition, health, and well-being. Full link: https://www.facebook.com/Roonsaharr/videos/benefits-of-sport/355475045610340/
- Interview with Radio Television Afghanistan about the importance of engaging in exercise and nutrition on health and well-being during Covid-19 (skip the first 17 minutes). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rebav87HNfw
- Interview with Shamshad TV about the importance of engaging in regular exercise and diet. Full link: https://www.facebook.com/Roonsaharr/videos/273269707836637/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&ref=sharing
- Interview with Shamshad TV Programme called Roon Sahar about the immune system and the effect of exercise and nutrition. Full link: https://www.facebook.com/Roonsaharr/videos/601862897083578/
- Interview with Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) programme called ‘Good Morning’ about the importance of Sport, Public Health and Education on Covid-19. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHNsoD-_xMprzkbTxgrsMw
- Interview Voice of America (VOA) about the programme I developed of how to be stay active and healthy at home during Covid-19 lockdown. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e4dwqjgHPo
- Interview with RTA about physical activity, health and well-being for children, adults, and people with health issues (skip the first 21 minutes). Full link: https://www.facebook.com/rtapashto/videos/702132877204912/
- Interview with RTA (Afghan National TV) about exercise and health. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdR2GZ2mIgs&list=UU5sQ7-blB3z2IizLHEvjVoQ&index=27
- Interview with the Voice of America Pashto about how to stay active and healthy during Ramadhan. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=8jHe8RXzy-Q&app=desktop
- Interview with BBC Pashto about how to stay active and healthy. Full link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbo53ECyukY
- Interview with Asian Network. Full link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_asian_network
- Interview with BBCWM: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_wm
- Interview with BBC radio Northampton: https://www.bbc.co.uk/search?filter=programmes&q=how+to+stay+healthy+and+active+during+ramadhan - page=3
- Interview with BBC Coventry and Warwickshire. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_coventry_warwickshire
- Interview with Free Radio about my PhD research interventions. https://planetradio.co.uk/free/
Links and Social Media
- Pure profile
- ResearchGate: Ayazullah Safi
- LinkedIn: Dr Ayaz Safi
- X: ayazsafi13
- YouTube: Dr Ayaz Safi Podcast