Ms. Amanda Lucey | Political Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Ms. Amanda Lucey | Political Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Amanda Lucey | Political Science – University of Cape Town, South Africa

Ms. Amanda Lucey is a South African professional with over 17 years of experience in development finance, peacebuilding, and transitional justice. With a robust background in strategic communications and research, she has developed an extensive track record of publications that engage with global development and peace initiatives. Ms. Lucey has worked across several high-profile organizations, including the United Nations, Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and UNDP, among others. Her expertise lies in developing and implementing strategies that promote peace, governance, and sustainable development, with a particular focus on gender-sensitive approaches and the African context.

Profile:

Orcid | Scopus

Education:

Ms. Lucey holds an MPhil in Justice and Transformation (Conflict Resolution) from the University of Cape Town, where she completed her thesis on a psychological analysis of political violence. She also holds a BSocSc Hons in Justice and Transformation and a BSc Hons in Psychology from the University of Nottingham. Her educational foundation, enriched by scholarships such as the National Research Foundation and others from the University of Cape Town, underpins her deep understanding of the complexities of peacebuilding, political behavior, and conflict resolution.

Experience:

Throughout her career, Ms. Lucey has served in numerous influential roles, including as a Senior Associate at Clarity Global Strategic Consulting and an Independent Consultant for various international organizations. Her work includes advising on civil society engagement with Public Development Banks (PDBs) and developing strategic communications for the World Bank. She has also contributed to high-level policy analysis on preventing violent extremism (PVE) and led significant research projects for organizations like the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. Her experience in peacebuilding also extends to her tenure with the United Nations, where she worked as a Political Affairs Officer in the Democratic Republic of Congo and as a Rule of Law Officer for UNDP in South Sudan.

Research Interests:

Ms. Lucey’s research interests focus on the intersections of transitional justice, development finance, and peacebuilding. She is particularly invested in the role of African regional organizations in addressing post-conflict reconstruction and justice. Her work often includes gender-sensitive and survivor-centered approaches, especially in the context of violent extremism, organized crime, and governance in Africa. She has also been involved in studying the role of South-South Cooperation (SSC) in development, and its impact on peace and security, particularly in relation to African countries’ responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Awards:

Ms. Lucey has been recognized for her significant contributions to development finance and peacebuilding. Her strategic approach to communication and research has made her a valuable asset in various international forums. While there is no specific mention of awards, her nomination for various professional achievements and publications in high-ranking journals and platforms indicates the widespread recognition of her work. Ms. Lucey’s research contributions have had a broad impact, influencing policy development and fostering important dialogues on international development.

Publications:

Ms. Lucey has authored numerous publications that have been recognized in academic and policy-making circles. Some of her key works include:

  1. A Double-Edged Sword: Peace Support Operations and Conflict Management in Northern Mozambique (FES, 2023) 📚
  2. Mozambique’s Violent Insurgency: Imagining a New Social Contract through Transitional Justice (IJR, 2023) 📚
  3. Violent Extremism in Northern Nigeria: Alternative Narratives and Approaches (IJR, 2023) 📚
  4. Lessons from Africa: 20 Years of UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Policy (RESOLVE, 2022) 🌍
  5. Assessing Development Effectiveness for South-South Cooperation (SSC): Perspectives from the Global South (UNDP, 2022) 🌍
  6. Guidelines for Building South-South and Triangular Cooperation Strategies (UNDP, 2020) 📖
  7. First African South-South Cooperation Report (UNDP, 2019) 📖

Conclusion:

Ms. Amanda Lucey is a seasoned expert with a deep commitment to promoting peace and development, particularly in the African context. Her combination of academic knowledge, field experience, and strategic communications skills positions her as a leader in the domains of peacebuilding, transitional justice, and international development. Her work continues to influence key policy developments and shape critical conversations on global development, with a strong focus on justice, governance, and sustainable peace. As a researcher, consultant, and advocate, Ms. Lucey remains a key figure in the field, continuously driving impactful change through her multifaceted expertise.

Muhammad Yar | Public Policy | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr . Muhammad Yar | Public Policy | Best Researcher Award 

PhD candidate , Universiti Brunei Darussalam , Brunei Darrussalam.

Muhammad Asfand Yar is a dedicated scholar and researcher currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). His academic journey spans various disciplines, from physics to public administration, and ultimately to public policy. This multidisciplinary background provides him with a unique perspective on the intersection of science, governance, and policy analysis. His work focuses on innovative policy solutions, with a particular interest in artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable development, and governance reform. He has published extensively in these areas and has participated in multiple international forums to broaden his research impact. His passion for research is reflected in his significant contributions to the fields of AI policy, public policy analysis, and green technology.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Muhammad Asfand Yar’s academic career is rooted in a strong foundation across diverse fields. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Public Policy at UBD, focusing on the integration of emerging technologies in governance. Prior to this, he completed an MPhil in Public Policy at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) from 2018 to 2021, where his research honed in on public governance and policy reform. Additionally, he earned a Master’s in Public Administration (Executive) from Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in 2018, which enriched his understanding of administrative and governance frameworks. His academic journey began with an MSc in Physics from Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) in 2011, where he developed analytical and problem-solving skills that now inform his approach to policy research.

Experience

Muhammad Asfand Yar has garnered extensive experience as a researcher and policy analyst. His work covers a range of topics from AI’s impact on policy-making to energy security and public governance. He has been involved in several key projects, including the “National Initiatives for Accelerating SDG’s Implementation by Reinvigorating Local Governance at the Lower Tier” (2021), a project aimed at local governance reform to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His participation in international programs, such as the Maritime Summer School organized by the Maritime Study Forum in Islamabad (2019), demonstrates his commitment to understanding regional and global governance issues. His expertise spans public policy analysis, governance, and emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning.

Research Interests

Muhammad Asfand Yar’s research interests lie at the intersection of public policy and technology. His work primarily focuses on public policy analysis, AI, machine learning, and governance reforms. He has delved deeply into the implications of AI on policy development and governance, exploring how these technologies can be integrated into existing systems to create more efficient, intelligent governance frameworks. Additionally, he has researched the economics of informal settlements, renewable energy policies, and sustainable development. His interest in game theory further complements his policy analysis work, allowing him to evaluate complex decision-making processes in governance.

Awards

While not explicitly mentioned in his bio, Muhammad Asfand Yar’s consistent academic and research contributions, including his ongoing work on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation, showcase a trajectory toward recognition and accolades in his field. His participation in internationally recognized programs and certifications also reflects his commitment to professional development and excellence in research.

Publications

Muhammad Asfand Yar has authored several influential research publications:

Conclusion

Muhammad Asfand Yar possesses a well-rounded academic and research background that makes him a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His multidisciplinary approach, combined with his focus on artificial intelligence, public policy, and sustainable development, demonstrates his potential to influence the policy landscape both nationally and internationally. Addressing some of the gaps in recent research output and enhancing his global collaboration efforts would further solidify his case for this prestigious award.