New Professors of Practice and Community Fellows to focus on law, the arts, anthropology, finance, politics and music
SOAS University of London's latest cohort of Professors of Practice and Community Fellows for 2025 bring their industry experience in law, art, anthropology, sustainable finance, politics and music to enrich the university’s academic landscape and contribute to SOAS's ongoing mission of combining academic rigor with practical, real-world expertise.
The 2025/26 Professors of Practice
Professor Leslie Vinjamuri - formerly co-Director of the SOAS Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, has taken on the role of President and CEO of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She will retain a tie to SOAS as Professor of Practice, contributing her expertise in international politics, transitional justice, human rights and international diplomacy.
The School of Law’s Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Centre have welcomed both Mr. Hussein Haeri KC and Mr. Baiju Vasani as Professors of Practice to provide expertise and insight on international law, human right and maritime law. Steven Finizio will also extend his role in the School of Law, with a focus of international dispute resolution.
Dr Cheng Yu, musician and former pipa lute soloist in China’s national Orchestra who has a PhD in Ethnomusicology (obtained from SOAS in 2004), will continue her long-standing collaboration with the SOAS music department.
The new practice appointments will provide our students with vital exposure to professionals with experience in a range of fields.
2025/26 Community Fellows
Artist Karl Singporewala is supporting the Department of History, Religions and Philosophies, through the Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies. Most recently, Singporewala and members of the institute displayed new works at the SOAS Gallery.
Kakoly Pandé will be a Fellow to the School of Law, Gender and Media - with wealth of experience as barrister and a trial advocate and advising in the fields of criminal, public and international law.
Marianne Haahr has joined as a Senior Fellow at the SOAS Centre for Sustainable Finance. Having previously worked as Nature-related Finance Lead of Global Canopy and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Marianne’s expertise also covers automated data generation and analysis of climate and nature risks.
Dr Suad Duale joins as a Community Fellow in direct support of the Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action (CAMHRA) – a global hub for cutting-edge anthropological research, education and public engagement on mental health.
Mr. James Moran has joined SOAS as a Community Fellow to the Department of Anthropology and Sociology – adding expertise in the world of academic storytelling.
Dr Nick Gray joined the Department of Music, with a background and interest in the nature of composition and performance, collaborative artistic practices, music in the context of theatre, music and religion.
Professor Laura Hammond, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Knowledge Exchange, said:
“We are proud to welcome to SOAS this diverse group of professionals, who all hold an incredible wealth of knowledge and expertise. The new practice appointments will provide our students with vital exposure to professionals with experience in a range of fields. This will prepare them to thoughtfully address worldwide challenges and influence multiple areas of work in the social sciences and humanities."
