Guðný Björk Þorvaldsdóttir has been appointed as Director of Research at SHH, the Director of Research is responsible for the organisation and development of research activities at the institution.

Guðný Björk holds a B.A. degree in Sign Language Studies and Sign Language Interpretation from the University of Iceland. She has also completed two Master’s degrees, one M.A. in research from the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and one M.Phil. degree in linguistics from Trinity University in Dublin, focusing on research on Icelandic and Irish sign languages. Guðný Björk has taught courses in linguistics and sign language studies at university level both in Iceland and abroad. Guðný Björk has experience working on the linguistic integrity of Irish sign language as well as years of experience working with sign language children.