Jacob Rasmussen

Jacob Rasmussen is an Associate Professor at Roskilde University’s Department of Social Sciences and Business, affiliated with the International Development Research Group and Socio-Economic Research Centre. His research focuses on urban politics, youth, violence, and vigilantism in African contexts, with extensive fieldwork in Nairobi and Johannesburg. He engages in policy debates with institutions like the Danish Embassy, UNODC, and UK Foreign Office, and serves on boards of PlanBørnefonden (children’s rights NGO) and FAU (Danish Development Researchers’ Association). Formerly Head of Studies for International Development Studies, he contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction and sustainable cities.

Active in interdisciplinary projects, he leads initiatives like the EU-funded 'Smart Cities and Urban Citizenship' (€2.6M grant) and collaborates on Kenya’s SWASH wastewater project. His work bridges academia and policy, addressing urbanization challenges, youth marginalization, and development ethics. Recent activities include organizing the ECAS conference and presenting on African urban politics.

• Research Interests: Urban governance, transnational migrant networks, youth movements, and security in Africa
• Grants: €2.6M from Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond for 'Smart Cities'
• Projects: 13 ongoing/finished projects on development, urbanization, and governance

Media engagements highlight his role as a commentator on African politics and development, including analyses of Ghana’s foreign policy and Kenya’s electoral dynamics. His work integrates ethnographic rigor with policy relevance, fostering dialogue between academic and development sectors.