The University shall devote its work to research into the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations and its agencies.
People — topics on improving lives of people everywhere
Planet — topics on preserving and improving our environment and natural resources
Prosperity — topics on building a sustainable and fulfilling future
Peace and partnerships — topics on fostering peaceful, just, and inclusive societies
UNU Council Member
Prof. Brenda Yeoh
Professor Brenda S.A. Yeoh is a Singaporean scholar and expert in the fields of migration, social geography, and the politics of space in colonial and post-colonial cities.
Expert
Bavo Stevens
Bavo Stevens was a Junior Research Fellow at the UNU Institute on Globalization, Culture and Mobility (UNU-GCM).
Person
Natalie Wong
Dr. Natalie Wong is a Visiting Research Fellow at the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau), where her research sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, human development, and technology policy. Holding a PhD in Psychology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), she has collaborated with UN agencies and Multilateral Development Banks to translate complex, cross-cultural data into actionable insights. As a mixed-methods expert, Dr. Wong’s current work focuses on evaluating AI systems as a digital public good, exploring the impact of generative AI on ethics and education, and addressing systemic inequalities in digital ecologies. She is actively collaborating with UN Women on cybersecurity and women’s leadership to develop targeted solutions for navigating digital transformations. Rooted in her training as a psychologist, Dr. Wong is deeply interested in how digital ecologies impact human development. She specializes in synthesizing voices from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that lived human experiences serve as the foundation for technology policy. Her research has been published in leading academic journals, as well as upcoming UN and ADB reports.
Seminar
Ecosystems for Transformative Entrepreneurship in Africa
MAASTRICHT & ONLINE: Our UNU-MERIT Seminar Series is pleased to announce an upcoming research seminar featuring Erik Stam, Full Professor and Academic Director at Utrecht University.
News
Event Explores Role of Forest Restoration in Disaster Recovery
UNU-IAS Operating Unit in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, hosted an event to celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity.
News
Roundtable Discussion: How to Bridge the Gap between Policymakers and Academics in Africa and the Global South
Emmanuel Balogun and Thomas Tieku are holding a virtual roundtable hosted by the International Studies Association.
Blog Post
From Satellites to AI: How Digital Technologies Are Reshaping Climate Resilience in Extreme Environments
Lili Wang write about the growing role of AI and digital technologies in helping societies prepare for and respond to climate extremes.
Event
Person
Vedika Vinaik
Vedika Vinaik is a Communications and Events Intern at UNU-CPR.