Florian Kern

Dr. Florian Kern is an Associate Professor (Reader) in the Department of Government at the University of Essex, and a Visiting Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics. He holds a PhD from the University of Konstanz and an M.A. from SAIS, Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on governance, political economy of development, and conflict, with regional expertise in Africa and indigenous North America. He combines qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, case studies, and fieldwork. Current projects include the ESRC-funded Multilingualism, Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Africa (MCCRA) initiative and co-leadership of the Age and Power in Africa (AaPiA) group. He also serves on the British Institute in Eastern Africa's research committee and is launching the International Politics in Africa research network in late 2024.

• Director of Impact, Department of Government (2021–present)
• Convenor, Africa Special Interest Group (2021–present)
• Co-founder, Age and Power in Africa (AaPiA) group

His work addresses domestic sources of foreign policy in Africa, land rights, and research transparency in qualitative methods. Recent grants include a £2.5 million ESRC Large Research Grant (2023–2027). His research has been supported by institutions like the ESRC, Robert Bosch Foundation, and German Foundation for Peace Research.