3 July 2026
The four selected Research Fellows will help their colleagues exchange ideas, access support for their research, and stay connected to PEP's leadership as the network continues to grow.
(L-R) Blagica Petreski, Nisha Arunatilake, Lucas Ronconi, Olufunke Alaba
PEP has appointed Lucas Ronconi, Olufunke Alaba, Blagica Petreski and Nisha Arunatilake to its new Research Fellows Steering Committee. The Committee is intended to strengthen exchange and collaboration between the Research Fellows.
The Steering Committee will support the development of the Research Fellows programme and provide a channel for consultation and engagement with PEP's governance and management structures. It will also support Marjan Petreski, the elected Research Fellow member of PEP's Board of Directors.
The four members are based in the geographic regions that PEP's work covers: Lucas in Latin America, Olufunke in Africa, Blagica in Eastern Europe, and Nisha in Asia. They bring a range of experience and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected Research Fellows network.
Nisha Arunatilake previously served as joint Research Fellow representative to PEP's former Corporate Members while Olufunke Alaba has been co-developing a research agenda on health.
Lucas Ronconi has emphasised the importance of fostering regular collaboration and exchange through peer seminars, and strengthening the visibility of Fellows' research. In line with this, Blagica Petreski took part in the recent PEP-convened panel discussion championing Southern-led research at the IEA World Congress.
