Peace and conflict scholar awarded for work in mine action
Dr Sarah Njeri, Lecturer in Humanitarian and Development Studies, has been recognised for her significant contribution in environmental peacebuilding by the Environmental Peacebuilding Association.
The committee recognised Dr Njeri’s work on the impact of land mines and raising awareness of the urgent need to increase demining efforts. They added she had contributed to mine action being elevated as a topic of academic research, particularly as her approach explored these issues through multiple lenses – peacebuilding, humanitarian, gender, critical theory.
I am so proud that my work has been recognised for helping to elevate mine action as a topic of academic research.
Her dedication to education, early career researchers and inspiring the next generation to pursue research on mine action was also noted by the committee.
Dr Njeri, based in the Department of Development Studies at SOAS, said: “I am so proud that my work has been recognised for helping to elevate mine action as a topic of academic research, I am particularly touched by the acknowledgment of my efforts to support early‑career researchers. At times, that labour can feel invisible; this recognition not only affirms it but also reminds and encourages my collaborators and me that our work is seen and valued. It reflects not only an appreciation of what I do, but also of our shared commitment to the future of the field and to nurturing a more generous and sustainable research community.
“The award being presented in Ottawa carries particular significance for me, as the city is closely associated with global efforts on mine action. I began this work as an activist advocating for the ban on landmines, a movement collectively known as the Ottawa Process, which led to the treaty widely referred to as the Ottawa Treaty. The symbolism of receiving this award in Ottawa is therefore deeply meaningful to me.”
The Environmental Peacebuilding Association is a global association dedicated to bringing together researchers, practitioners, and decision makers working on issues of environment, conflict, and peace. The award will be presented at the Environmental Peacebuilding Gala on 17 June.
