Dr. Des Gasper

Biography

Des Gasper is a professor of Human Development, Ethics, and Public Policy at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam. His work focuses on human-centered socio-economic development, emphasizing the importance of human rights and human security. Gasper has contributed significantly to the literature, writing conceptual chapters for the Routledge Handbook of Human Security and the Elgar Handbook on Climate Change and Human Security. He has collaborated with Oscar Gomez and others to research historical trends in human security, contributing to various publications, including special issues of journals and comprehensive reports for UNDP. His research extends to the ethical dimensions of development, addressing questions related to development theory and practice, and includes studies on kidney sales and public goods. Furthermore, Gasper plays an active role in shaping public policy, particularly regarding international migration and climate change. He coordinates a research strand on migration and human security at ISS and has participated in significant projects, including contributions to the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report. His recent work continues to address the implications of climate change for marginalized populations. As a prolific writer and researcher, he remains engaged in critical policy analysis and the ethical discussions surrounding economic development.

Research Interests