Ceridwen Spark

Associate Professor Ceridwen Spark is a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Global Research at RMIT University’s School of Global, Urban and Social Studies (GUSS). She holds expertise in gender studies, Pacific sociocultural dynamics, and intersectional social change. Her research focuses on gender in the Pacific (particularly Papua New Guinea), women’s leadership, education systems, and cross-cultural interactions. She has conducted DFAT-funded projects like the Pawa Meri initiative, producing films about women leaders in PNG. Ceridwen emphasizes real-world impact through innovative outputs like films, exhibitions, and podcasts.

She has a PhD in Gender Studies and Australian Studies from Monash University (2002). Current projects include research on women’s networks in the Developmental Leadership Program and biographies of Pacific leaders with the World Bank. Recent works include the 'River of Lives' exhibition with Maribyrnong City Council and the Pawa Meri project. Supervision focuses on gender in disaster governance, netball’s cultural exclusion, and Ethiopian migration in Melbourne.

Her teaching spans gender and urbanisation, education equity, leadership, ethnicity, and cross-cultural collaboration. Research interests include sociology, cultural studies, political science, and anthropology. She collaborates with international stakeholders to address gender’s role in social and economic development.