Valentina Bau

Valentina Bau is a Senior Research Fellow and Co-Director of the Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative (HADRI) at Western Sydney University's School of Social Sciences. Her academic work focuses on Development Communication in peacebuilding and humanitarian contexts, with expertise in Refugee Camps, Protracted Displacement, and Media in the Global South. She holds a PhD in International Communication from Macquarie University and has collaborated with UN agencies such as UNICEF, UNDP, and UNHCR. Bau’s research explores communication strategies for marginalized populations, including youth in refugee camps and diaspora communities. She is currently leading an ARC-funded project on Development Communication and Peace in Kakuma and Zaatari refugee camps. Her work integrates participatory methods, such as radio, theatre, and visual arts, to foster social cohesion and civic engagement.

• Education: PhD (Macquarie University), MSc (University of Reading), MA (Bournemouth University)
• Affiliations: UNESCO Chair in Cultural Diversity, Monash Global Peace and Security Centre
• Grants: ARC Fellowship, IPRA Foundation Grant
• Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles on humanitarian communication, peacebuilding, and participatory media

Her research emphasizes the transformative role of media in conflict-affected areas, advocating for community-led solutions to displacement and social integration. Key themes include refugee youth empowerment, digital media use in crises, and participatory communication for healing.