Category: ESI Fellows (March 2025 - February 2026)

Dr. Kiran Chalise holds a PhD in Inclusive Education from Kathmandu University and brings interdisciplinary expertise in research, governance, development planning, and monitoring & evaluation. As a faculty member at Mid-West University’s Institute of Cooperation and Development, he teaches Development Theories, Governance and Development, and Project Monitoring and Evaluation. With academic foundations in Development Studies, Mass Communication and Rural Development, his work spans disability inclusion, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, livelihoods, and rights-based approaches. Dr. Chalise has led and supported research and evaluation initiatives with international organizations including UNICEF, the EU, Oxfam, and others. Research Topic: Perceptions and Experiences of Special School Education and Further Job Opportunities in Different Two Countries Program Module (Hybrid or Online): Hybrid Host University: SRM University, India Research Advisor: /

Cinzia Colaiuda received a Phd in international comparative education from the University of Rome II, Tor Vergata, Italy. Her research interests include language education policies, linguistic ethnography, and urban semiotics. Main publications: C. Colaiuda, “Autobography and narration in multilingual learning environment”, in G. Agresti, F. Torrent (ed. by), Penser et Évaluer les politiques linguistiques, Aracne, Roma, 2022; C. Colaiuda, “Language education policies: The role of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”, in M. Gazzola, F. Grin. L. Cardinal, and K. Heugh, The Routledge Handbook of Language Policy and Planning, Routledge, 2023 Research Topic: Urban language policies Program Module: Hybrid Host University: Budapest Metropolitan University, METU, Hungary Research Advisor: Dr. Szilvia Szotak, Budapest Metropolitan University, METU, Hungary  

Short Biography: After completing my PhD in History, I have devoted my career to investigating the history of science, knowledge, and medicine, utilizing innovative methodologies and approaches to shed  new light on these fields. My doctoral research resulted in the development of an analysis scheme that allows for the comparison of scientific and pedagogical aspects in educational institutions, which has proven useful in understanding the evolution of educational systems over time. One area of particular interest to me is the main actors of pedagogical and scientific reforms, and how they have served as a link between governmental authorities and decision-making bodies of the university. I am particularly interested in examining the role of professors in promoting change during periods of reform, as they are often the ones who have the most direct contact with students and are therefore best positioned to effect change. In addition, my research highlights the close relationship between the university and society, as many reforms were initiated due to public health and economic development concerns. Understanding the complex interplay between the university and society is essential to comprehending the evolution of educational systems and their impact on society as a whole. My work provides valuable insights into how the role of the university has evolved over the centuries, and the various reforms that have occurred to shape it into what it is today. Finally, my research also explores the importance of nature and natural resources in the pre-Industrial Revolution period, and the identification of an “official” understanding of the role of nature during this time. Overall, my research represents a multifaceted exploration of the history of science, knowledge, and medicine.   Research Topic: Academic Engineering and the Transformation of Hydraulic Landscapes Europe (XVIII-XIX) Program Module (Hybrid or Online) Hybrid Host University: SRM University, India Research Advisor: /

Dr. Md. Anisur Rahaman is a scholar in sociology and international affairs. He earned his PhD in International Affairs and Global Governance from Zhejiang University in 2023, with a thesis titled “Development of Community Clinic System in Bangladesh, and Policy Analysis from International Perspectives.” His research interests include Public Health, Social Policy, Sociological Theories, and Advanced Research Methodology. Dr. Rahaman holds an M.S.S. in Sociology (1st Class 2nd) and a B.S.S. in Sociology (1st Class 1st) from the University of Rajshahi. He currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Associate Professor at Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Gopalganj-8100, Bangladesh   Research Topic : “Post-Crisis Transitions in Social Sciences: Evaluating Social, Economic, and Psychological Recovery in Post-Pandemic Societies” Program Module (Hybrid or Online) : Hybrid Research Advisor : / Host University : University of Saint Joseph, Macao

Dr. Anderson Namu Nthimba is a finance expert and an academic with over a decade of teaching experience in Kenyan universities, including Embu, Kirinyaga, and Chuka. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance from Kenyatta University and specializes in finance, financial management and accounting. His research focuses on financial markets and investment, with publications in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Nthimba also serves as a KNEC examiner, a secondary school board of management member, and a lecturer at a teacher training college. Passionate about education and financial literacy, he lives in Embu, Kenya, with his family. Research Topic: Fund characteristics and performance of unit trust funds in Kenya Program Module: Online Research Advisor: Dr. Noshaba Zulfiqar