Dr. Bennett Collins is a Lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen's School of Social Science. His academic journey includes a PhD in International Relations from the University of St Andrews (2023), an MSc in African Studies from the University of Oxford (2014), and an MA in International Relations with First Class honors from the University of St Andrews (2013). His educational background reflects his interdisciplinary approach to understanding global political issues, particularly those related to environmental justice, cultural violence, and human rights. He holds the designation of Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) and maintains active memberships in several professional organizations including the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association and the Climate Social Science Network. Dr. Collins' research takes interdisciplinary and justice-based approaches to examining the social, economic, and political dimensions of our planetary crisis. His work spans several interconnected areas: Environmental and climate politics with a focus on justice frameworks Settler colonial studies and historical dialogue Transitional justice mechanisms and their effectiveness Critical human rights approaches to minority and Indigenous communities Community-collaborative research methodologies His recent publications demonstrate a strong thematic focus on climate justice, historical violence, and the experiences of marginalized communities. Rather than isolated studies, his work forms a cohesive research program examining how historical forms of violence and land dispossession contribute to contemporary climate challenges, while also addressing calls for climate justice from affected communities. Among his notable achievements: Nominated for the Principal's Excellence Awards (2025) for Best Postgraduate (Taught) Lecturer Received an Honorable Mention for the MacJannet Prize (2024) as part of the Third Generation Project Awarded the Oxford University African Studies Prize (2014) for 'Most Innovative Dissertation Research' Dr. Collins has successfully secured funding from prestigious organizations including the Scottish Government, National Geographic Society, Global Challenges Research Fund, and the Sir Halley Stewart Trust. His collaborative approach is evident in his work with various organizations such as Education Scotland, Aegis Trust/Kigali Genocide Memorial, and numerous community-based organizations in Scotland, Rwanda, and the United States. As an educator, he serves as Programme Coordinator for the MSc in Climate Politics and Policy at Aberdeen and teaches courses including Environmental and Climate Politics, International Energy Politics and Security, and Energy Politics and Law. He actively mentors emerging researchers through the Third Generation Project's Emerging Researchers Programme and co-founded the Mutual Aid Clinic to train undergraduate students in collaborative research methodologies.
