Deborah Fry

Deborah Fry is a Professor of International Child Protection Research at the University of Edinburgh and Global Director of Data for Childlight - Global Child Safety Institute. She leads initiatives such as the annual Into the Light Index and bi-annual Searchlight publication, analyzing global child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). Her work integrates data-driven approaches to inform policy and safeguarding strategies.

Education:

• PhD by Research (University of Edinburgh)
• MA in Citizenship and Public Affairs (Syracuse University)
• MPH (Columbia University)

Research Focus: Her four main research strands include Safe Inclusive Education, Drivers of Violence, Burden of Violence, and Prevention Projects. She leads UNICEF-funded studies on violence against children and collaborates globally on initiatives like the Multi-country Study of Drivers of Violence in Italy, Peru, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

Awards & Recognition:

• Marie Curie Fellowship (2012–2015)
• Fulbright Research Scholar (2001–2002)

Advising & Grants: Academic lead for UNICEF-Edinburgh collaborations since 2019, Principal Investigator in multiple studies, including projects on child marriage in Jordan and the Economic Burden of Violence in South Africa. Teaches courses on research methods and child protection data futures.

Labs/Teams: Childlight Institute, Institute for Education, Community & Society (IECS), and global partnerships with UNICEF, Save the Children, and universities worldwide.