Gender equality, UNSCR 1325, Conflict resolution, intersectionality

Laura is a Research Assistant and a part-time doctoral student at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations. Prior to joining the Centre, she worked at the United Nations Regional Information Centre in Brussels for the UK and Ireland desk.

Her work in the Centre involves social action research and consultancy as well as research on gender equality, especially in relation to the United Nation's Agenda on "Women, Peace & Security".

Laura holds a postgraduate MSc in Comparative Politics (Conflict Studies) from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2012. Her final dissertation was examining the role of civil society actors in post-conflict peacebuilding in Bosnia-Herzegovina. She received her undergraduate degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Aberdeen. Her research interests lie in the field of peace, conflict and reconciliation studies.

During her studies, Laura undertook internships with the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Ireland in Helsinki, and the European Commission Representation in Helsinki gaining valuable experience on national and international governance structures and institutions.

My background in international relations and conflict studies both in academia and professional life has inspired my research interests in gender equality, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. I am interested in the factors which cause conflicts, conflict resolution methods and especially how civil society can be involved effectively in the post-conflict peacebuilding process. I am also fascinated by gender equality issues and the potential role of intercultural dialogue to enable people to live together more peacefully in a multicultural world.