Alice Nah

Dr Alice Nah is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Durham University and a Fellow of the Institute for Medical Humanities. She is also the Director of Education for the Department of Sociology. Previously, she spent a decade at the University of York, held fellowships at Monash University, National University of Singapore, and the University of Oxford, and co-founded key civil society networks such as the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, National University of Singapore
• M.Soc.Sci. in Sociology, National University of Singapore
• Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Psychology, British Psychological Society
• BA (Hons) in Management Studies and Psychology, University of Leeds (Chevening Scholar)

Research Interests:

Dr Nah’s research is interdisciplinary and impact-oriented, focusing on human rights defenders' security and protection, and refugee and migrant experiences in Asia. She explores how activists navigate risk, manage their wellbeing, and exercise leadership, particularly among women, disabled individuals, and those from marginalized communities. Her work also delves into how state and non-state actors understand and enact 'protection' for migrants and refugees.

Scientific Awards:

• TIP Report Hero Acting to End Modern Slavery Award (2009)
• Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowship
• President's Graduate Fellowship
• Chevening Scholar

Advising & Grants:

Dr Nah supervises postgraduate research students at Durham University and has led major consultancies for UN Women, OHCHR, and the International Labour Organisation. She has contributed to UN reports and co-authored international guidelines on wellbeing and temporary relocation for human rights defenders.

Research Groups & Affiliations:

• Communities and Social Justice
• Violence and Abuse
• Editorial College, Migration Politics Journal
• Judge, Ockenden International Prizes