Head of Research

Eleanor Fisher is Professor of International Development and Head of Research at NAI. She has 30 years’ experience leading field-based social research in Africa. She is committed to science-to-policy knowledge engagement to inform strategic decision-making and to realize impact from research.

Research

Eleanor’s work engages with critical social science perspectives on society and environment. Her portfolio includes research on social equity; sustainability transformations; rural livelihoods; artisanal mining; climate change; and, poverty and vulnerability reduction. Common threads guiding her thinking are attention to agency, knowledge issues, social and gender dynamics, and power relations. Methodologically, she specializes in participatory development and interdisciplinary collaboration. Eleanor is an experienced advisor to African governments, civil society organizations, and bilateral donors.

Current positions and affiliations

• Visiting Professor of International Development, University of Reading, United Kingdom
  

Background

Eleanor has an extensive track record as principal and co-investigator for collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects, including for the Belmont Forum/NORFACE (EU Horizon 2020), the CGIAR, Medical Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, British Council, USAID, and FAO. She has provided strategic advice and been an expert member for numerous research review panels and evaluation teams, including for the International Science Council, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, ESRC, and Department for International Development.

Publications

Full list of publications (Google scholar) External link, opens in new window.

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