Laura Jeffery

Laura Jeffery is a full Professor of Anthropology of Migration at the School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh. She serves as Dean of Research in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS).

Research Interests: Specializing in the anthropology of migration and displacement, her work explores intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and human-environment relations in protracted displacement contexts across Indian Ocean islands (Chagos, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives). She employs participatory arts methods and examines healthcare at the intersection of gender and displacement.

Recent Research Trends: Her 2025-2022 articles focus on

• Moroccan migration welfare systems
• Chagos decolonization challenges
• UNESCO heritage safeguarding
• Mental health in displacement
• Chinese development in Maldives

Scientific Awards:

• AHRC Impact and Engagement Fellowship
• ESRC Research Fellowship
• Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship
• ESRC Postgraduate Studentship

Research-Led Teaching includes supervising the 2025/2026 Decolonising Scientific Expeditions project and co-designing courses on displacement and environmental anthropology.

Networks: She co-directs the AHRC GCRF MADAR Network (Maghreb Action on Displacement and Rights) and leads the CHAGOS: Cultural Heritage Across Generations project, which contributed to UNESCO’s urgent safeguarding of Chagossian Sega Tambour music.