Theodore E Downing

Theodore E Downing is a Research Professor at the University of Arizona, affiliated with the field of Social Development since 1971. He has taught in Japan, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia and held a Visiting Scholar role at Oxford.

Research Focus: Downing’s work centers on enhancing socio-economic opportunities for marginalized populations through participatory development and institutional reform. His applied research spans a dozen developing countries, addressing displacement, resettlement, and environmental training programs.

• Founded the International Network on Displacement and Resettlement (INDR)
• Developed Saudi Arabia’s first university environmental training program
• Collaborated with World Bank Chief Social Policy Advisor Dr. Michael Cernea for 20+ years

Awards: Elected President of the international Society for Applied Anthropology by peers.

Advising and Collaboration: Served as Ranking Minority on Arizona’s House Education and Higher Education Committees. Provided consultancy to the World Bank Inspection Panel, Inter-American Development Bank, and United Nations. Partnered extensively with Carmen Garcia over 43 years.