Craig Jeffrey

Craig Jeffrey is a Professor of Geography at The University of Melbourne, with significant research contributions in the fields of youth studies, Indian studies, and development geography. He has conducted over 5 years of ethnographic research in North India since 1996, focusing on rural and small town areas in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

His research interests center on global youth, particularly in relation to education, unemployment, politics, and development in contemporary India. He has published eight books and over 50 journal articles, including notable works such as Degrees without Freedom? Education Masculinities and unemployment in North India (2008), Timepass: Youth, Class and the Politics of Waiting in India (2010), and India: A Very Short Introduction (2017).

Jeffrey's recent scholarly work has examined prefigurative politics, youth vitalities, and the social contributions of educated unemployed youth in India. His publications reveal a consistent focus on how young people navigate educational and employment markets while contributing to community development and social change.

• Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (Australia, 2017)
• Fellow of the Academy of Humanities (Australia, 2019)
• Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (UK, 2014)

As a former Director of the Australia India Institute, Jeffrey has worked closely with the Australian Government on higher educational change. His research has been supported by Australian Research Council grants, including DP2000102424. While primarily based at The University of Melbourne, his work shows significant international engagement, particularly with Indian academic and policy communities.