Melita Lazell is Associate Professor in Political Economy and Development and Associate Head of School for Research.

Dr Lazell has over a decade of multidisciplinary research experience spanning Political Economy, Development Studies, International Relations, Politics, and Public Policy,  bringing together rigorous academic analysis with a strong policy-oriented approach.

Her methodological expertise includes both qualitative and quantitative research. She has evaluated UK-funded development projects in sub-Saharan Africa using OECD criteria and a wide range of sources, such as Project Completion Reports, Impact Evaluations, ICAI assessments and parliamentary reports. She has also conducted interviews with DFID/FCDO personnel to evaluate the impact of the 2020 merger on organisational culture and development practices.

Dr Lazell has also conducted quantitative empirical analyses on the distribution of Official Development Assistance (ODA) from major donors, drawing on datasets from the OECD Creditor Reporting System, Uppsala Conflict Data Program, UNHCR, and the Global Terrorism Database. In addition, she has collaborated on a British Academy funded project to evaluate dimensions of armed conflict across the Sahel. 

Biographical details correct as of 26.06.25