FCEO-UKRI Senior Research Fellowship - conflict

As an individual with over two decades of experience in conflict research, policy advisory roles, and international development, I find this fellowship greatly aligns with my career goals and expertise.

I have spent a considerable part of my career in areas of protracted conflict in South and Central Asia, initially as an NGO worker. These experiences laid the foundation for my work as a researcher, policy advisor, and consultant. My journey from the field to the academic world has been a deliberate choice to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice.

I am particularly attracted to this fellowship because it fosters collaboration between UKRI and the FCDO - institutions with whom I have had the privilege of working extensively. I have been the PI or Co-I for various ESRC/AHRC-funded projects and have sat on multiple ESRC research assessment committees.

At the FCDO, I have acted as a policy advisor and consultant across different sectors of Whitehall. My deep understanding of the varying institutional cultures within these bodies makes me uniquely qualified for this bridging role. I am highly skilled in providing strategic advice tied to a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape and global trends in conflict, stabilisation, and peacebuilding. Before entering academia, I gained valuable experience working for organizations like Save the Children and the International Rescue Committee, in capacity-building roles.

Throughout my career, I have built international networks in conflict research and policy, produced highly cited outputs, and engaged in high-level policy discussions. The most recent and prominent programme I have led was the £7 million, 4-year UKRI-GCRF-funded project titled "Drugs and (dis)order: Building sustainable peacetime economies in the aftermath of war." This project involved a team of 50 researchers from 12 organizations working across the UK, Afghanistan, Colombia, and Myanmar. The work has resulted in over 50 peer-reviewed publications, with more in the pipeline. An integral part of this project was capacity building; substantial time and resources were devoted to nurturing early career researchers in our case study countries. As a testament to my commitment to this field, I founded the Centre for the Study of Illicit Economies, Violence and Development (CIVAD). Under my leadership, CIVAD aims to extend its focus on illicit economies within wider contexts, and aspires to become a global hub for research and policy engagement.

Conflict policy-making often happens in highly sensitive, politicized environments. I bring a nuanced understanding of the risks involved, the need for discretion, and the intricate balance between stakeholder interests and policy implications. I firmly believe that it is crucial to find a language and a narrative that is meaningful and resonates with end users, and provides new insights and ways of looking at problems. I have been effective in distilling complex data and research into actionable insights for policy implementation. Furthermore, my approach to research and policy is deeply rooted in participatory and inclusive practices. I am aligned with SOAS's goals in the areas of decolonization and partnership, and strive to reflect these principles in my work.

I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to this fellowship by offering a unique blend of academic rigour, field experience, and policy advisory skills. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to shaping debates and policies at this critical juncture for the UK and international policy-making.