Melissa Phillips

Dr. Melissa Phillips is a Senior Lecturer in Humanitarian and Development Studies at the School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University. Her research focuses on migration dynamics, forced displacement, multicultural policies, and refugee resettlement, informed by fieldwork in South Sudan, the Horn of Africa, and Australia. She holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne and is completing a Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law. Phillips serves as Co-Managing Editor of the Journal of Intercultural Studies and has held roles including Board Member of the Australian Red Cross and International Detention Coalition. She leads projects on refugee integration and regional migration, including a longitudinal study of refugees in Australia and research on diaspora engagement in South Sudan.

Her work critiques immigration detention and advocates for equitable multicultural policies. Notable contributions include analysis of NGO roles in Libya’s migration governance and the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic on multicultural policies. Phillips has authored over 40 publications and engages actively in media commentary on migration issues.

• Education: PhD, University of Melbourne
• Key Projects: 'Settling Well' longitudinal study, diaspora policy research, migrant equity initiatives in Sydney
• External Roles: Member of International Detention Coalition’s Audit Committee, Co-Lead for Borders and Migration Research Program

Her research integrates field experience with academic rigor, emphasizing policy relevance and humanitarian advocacy.