Nandini Gooptu

Nandini Gooptu is an Associate Professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Oxford's Department of International Development and a Fellow of St Antony’s College. She holds leadership roles as Associate Head of the Social Sciences Division for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and previously served as Head of Department (2012–2016). Educated at the University of Calcutta (MA), University of Oxford (MA), and University of Cambridge (PhD), she has held fellowships at St John’s College and the Centre of South Asian Studies, Cambridge.

Her research explores social transformation in contemporary India, including:

• Globalization's impact on labor, enterprise culture, and spirituality
• Urban poverty, gendered violence, and caste politics
• Skill development, media influences, and social movements

Current projects include ESRC-funded work on urban transformation/gendered violence in India/South Africa and new cultures of work in India.

She received the University of Oxford Teaching Excellence Award (2008) for doctoral supervision and teaches across MPhil/PPE programs. As editorial chair for Oxford Development Studies and board member for Springer/Anthem book series, she shapes academic discourse in South Asian studies.

She supervises 10+ doctoral students in international development, politics, and sociology, with alumni at global institutions. Research grants include ESRC collaborations with Cambridge/Johannesburg universities.