Aisha Alaran

I am a Research and Policy Assistant in the Policy and Practice Research Group (PPRG). The PPRG conducts applied research focused on the design and implementation of policies and practices to enhance pandemic preparedness and response.  

In my role, I support policy development aimed at strengthening global public health systems and clinical research, with a particular focus on improving policies and practices for a coordinated clinical trial response during infectious disease outbreaks.

I have over three years of experience in global health research and have worked on diverse projects addressing critical public health challenges.  As a Harm Reduction Scholar, I managed a systematic scoping review project on smoking cessation interventions across the African region.  Prior to this, as a Research Assistant at Global Health Focus, I led and collaborated on several research projects focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, I was also awarded the prestigious Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Early Career Grant, which enabled me to conduct a multi-country research project examining Neglected Tropical Diseases Policies and Implementation across several African countries. 

I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Ilorin and a Master of Philosophy in Population Health Sciences (Global Health specialisation) from the University of Cambridge. My academic and professional journey has resulted in several research publications contributing to the discourse on global health research, policy and practice.