Dr. Jessica Espey

Biography

Jessica Espey is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton and the Deputy Director of the WorldPop research initiative. Her academic focus is on international governance and sustainable development, with a specific emphasis on data governance and evidence-informed policymaking. With over a decade of experience in international development, she has held significant positions, including Director of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network from 2014 to 2020 and an advisor to former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Espey's research addresses how various forms of evidence influence international governance, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. She is actively involved in projects that aim to enhance the quality of demographic data used for policymaking and has published widely on topics related to governance and accountability. Notably, her recent publication, 'Science in Negotiation,' tackles the themes of negotiation in the context of governance and policy. She is also interested in the evolving processes surrounding global urban governance and is currently engaged in research funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Research Interests

Experience