Ben Edwards

Professor Ben Edwards is a leading academic in child and youth development at the Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research. He holds a PhD in Psychology from Deakin University and a BA (Honours in Psychology). His research focuses on longitudinal studies of child development, refugee integration, and policy evaluation. He leads the GENERATION study tracking 15,000 students' transitions post-school and directs the ANU partnership with the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker. Key areas include natural disaster impacts, education systems, and disadvantaged groups.

Edwards has advised governments and international bodies like the OECD and UNFPA. He co-edits the Australian Journal of Social Issues and supervises research projects on refugee integration, screen time effects, and longitudinal methodologies. His work highlights challenges in early childhood education, intergenerational trauma, and policy effectiveness.

Recent projects include evaluating pandemic policies, refugee resettlement outcomes, and the influence of school environments on youth behavior. Collaborations span Australia, the UK, and the Philippines. His research emphasizes data linkage and innovative methodologies to address social inequities.