Melissa Leach

Melissa Leach

Melissa Leach is the director of the Institute of Development Studies. She co-founded the ESRC STEPS (Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability) Centre, with its pioneering pathways approach to innovation, sustainability, and development issues. She is also an independent member of the Strategic Coherence of ODA-funded Research (SCOR) Board.

Latest Articles

Opinion: We need to stop telling the global south what to do

Opinion: We need to stop telling the global south what to do

almost 2 years ago // Roots of Change

Effective development must overcome outdated colonial thinking and reach for more humble and reflective attitudes, acknowledging power relations past and present.

Opinion: Why new UK Department for Science matters for development

Opinion: Why new UK Department for Science matters for development

almost 3 years ago // UK Aid

Research for development matters. It’s how we find out what works best, where, and why. Here's how the U.K.'s new science department can ensure the country is fostering equitable, relevant, and sustainable research to help inform aid programs.

Opinion: Urgent international priorities for the next US president

Opinion: Urgent international priorities for the next US president

about 5 years ago // The future of US aid

With 10 years to meet the SDGs in addition to COVID-19, climate, environmental challenges, a change of president has the potential to transform the leadership and international cooperation needed at a crucial juncture for international development — according to this op-ed.

How to chart alternative pathways for women

How to chart alternative pathways for women

over 11 years ago // Gender equality

Gender equality and sustainability can powerfully reinforce each other in alternative pathways, according to a new survey by U.N. Women to be launched Monday. To define these pathways, we must consider knowledge, agency and action, two research specialists argue in a guest opinion.