Dr. Rhys Kelly

Biography

I am Associate Professor in Conflict Resolution and currently Head of Department in the Department of Peace Studies and International Development. Much of my work - my research, teaching and educational leadership - has learning as a central and connecting theme. For example, individuals, groups and societies who are dealing with conflict and its legacies are fundamentally engaged in learning processes - to understand what caused conflict, to understand others who have become enemies, to understand the impacts that conflict has on self and others, and to find ways to build trust and relationship after conflict. Similarly, communities that are having to adapt to climate change (the focus of more recent research) have to learn about the changes and risks they are facing, about what is possible (or not) in response, and how to make good decisions in conditions of conflict and uncertainty. In both areas, my research has concerned the kinds of processes - including peace education and community engagement - that can support individual and social learning. I am currently Co-I on the UKRI-funded Coastal Communities project: Resilience of Anthropocene Coasts and Communities, working with researchers from Queens Mary University, University of Glasgow, Kings College and the University of Sunderland to understand the interlinked risks of climate change and coastal flooding/erosion in relation to hsitoric landfill sites on the UK's coastline. My role will be to support the community engagement strand of work, building on experience and expertise developed through other recent projects on community engagement and climate adaptation for/with national agencies (Environment Agency, DEFRA, Natural Resources Wales). This formed the basis of a successful REF impact case-study in the last round, contributing new knowledge and practice tools that have been adopted widely in a range of high profile projects, that influenced national policy and continue to generate interest and application. See: Working together to adapt to a changing climate - flood and coast - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)As an educator, I also have strong interest in learning processes/methods and what can support meaningful, lasting changes in understanding in our students. As an educator working in the field of conflict resolution, I'm particularly interested in how we can help to cultivate different kinds of learning - the knowledge, professional skills, and personal qualities needed for this challenging area of practice.