UNU Experts

Expert Research Fellow

Sam Jones

Sam Jones is a Research Fellow at UNU-WIDER based in Mozambique, on extended leave from his position as an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen.

Expert Lead Research Analyst

Zoran Jordanoski

Zoran Jordanoski has been a Lead Research Analyst at the United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) since 2026.

Expert Research Associate

Maria Jouste

Maria Jouste is a Research Associate at UNU-WIDER.

Expert Director

Prof. Patricia Justino

Professor Patricia Justino is the Director of UNU-WIDER.

Expert Student Assistant

Katharina Kalbitz

Expert Student Assistant

Antonella Kania

Expert Senior Programme Associate

Tarisai Kanyepi is a Senior Programme Associate at UNU‑VIE, specializing in the intersection of green entrepreneurship, innovation and digitalization. Her work centers on enabling youth and women to become climate solution leaders and drivers of inclusive climate action.

Expert Associate Academic Officer

Dr. Irmak Karakislak

Dr. Irmak Karakislak is an Associate Academic Officer at UNU-EHS, working on the flagship report, Interconnected Disaster Risks.

Expert PhD Fellow

Maria Karasani

Maria Karasani is a PhD Fellow at UNU-CRIS within the Nature, Climate and Health cluster

Expert Senior Research Analyst

Naci Karkin

Naci Karkin has been with the United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) since 2022. Naci's core expertise includes e-participation, social media analysis, public sector innovation, and e-governance.

Expert Director of UNU Resource Nexus

Prof. Daniel Karthe

Prof. Daniel Karthe is the Director of UNU Resource Nexus.

Expert Research Consultant

Alia Karunian

As of April 2026, Alia Karunian is a Research Consultant at the UNU-EGOV.

Expert Doctoral Researcher

Dina Kaskina

Dina Kaskina is a Doctoral Researcher with a background in environmental science and water governance.

Expert PhD Fellow

Tina Kasse B’nicco

Tina Kasse B'nicco is a PhD Fellow at UNU-CRIS

Expert Academic Programme Advisor

Dr. Yasushi Katsuma

Yasushi Katsuma is an Academic Programme Advisor at UNU-IAS.

Expert Project Associate

Sarita Katwaroo

Sarita works at the intersection of climate finance, disaster risk financing and inclusive insurance, helping to develop solutions that protect vulnerable communities from climate shocks. She is passionate about turning research into practical action that strengthens resilience and sustainable development.

Expert Professor

Prof. Dr. René Kemp

Professor René Kemp is an eco-innovation and sustainability transition researcher.

Expert Youth Fellow, Water Governance and Justice

Mazen Khan

Mazen Khan is a Youth Fellow in Water Governance and Justice at UNU-INWEH, supporting research, policy, and outreach initiatives related to water governance, displacement, and international justice, with a regional emphasis on the Middle East and South Asia.

Expert Executive Co-Director, UNU Hub on Remote-Sensing and Sustainable Innovations for Resilient Urban Systems (R-SIRUS)

Prof. Reza Khanbilvardi

Professor Reza Khanbilvardi specializes in water resources and satellite-based remote sensing applications.

Expert Research Fellow, Behavioural Change and Risk Communication

Dr. Mehri Khosravi

Dr. Mehri Khosravi is an environmental social scientist specialising in climate adaptation, behavioural change, risk communication, and the social dimensions of environmental sustainability.