Rate Professor Laura J. Shepherd

Professional Summary: Professor Laura J. Shepherd

Professor Laura J. Shepherd is a distinguished academic at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a globally recognized profile in international relations, gender studies, and critical security studies. Her work focuses on the intersections of gender, violence, and global politics, contributing significantly to feminist scholarship and policy discourse.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Shepherd holds advanced degrees in international relations and political science, with a strong foundation in feminist theory. While specific details of her degrees and institutions are publicly noted in various academic profiles, she earned her PhD in a related field, equipping her with the expertise to address complex global issues through a gendered lens.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Her research primarily explores:

• Gender and global governance
• Critical security studies, particularly the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda
• Feminist approaches to international relations
• Discourses of violence and power in global politics

Career History and Appointments

Professor Shepherd has held numerous prestigious positions throughout her career, contributing to both teaching and research in her field. Key appointments include:

• Professor of International Relations at the University of Sydney, where she is affiliated with the School of Social and Political Sciences
• Previously held academic positions at institutions such as the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Birmingham, UK
• Visiting fellowships and collaborative roles at leading global institutions focusing on gender and security

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Her contributions to academia have been recognized through various accolades, including:

• ARC (Australian Research Council) Future Fellowship, supporting her groundbreaking work on gender and security
• Recognition within international academic circles for her contributions to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda

Key Publications

Professor Shepherd is a prolific author, with numerous books, journal articles, and edited volumes to her name. Some of her key works include:

• Gender, Violence and Security: Discourse as Practice (2008)
• Gender, UN Peacebuilding, and the Politics of Space (2017)
• Co-editor of Routledge Handbook of Gender and Security (2018)
• Numerous articles in leading journals such as International Feminist Journal of Politics and Review of International Studies

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Laura J. Shepherd is widely regarded as a leading voice in feminist international relations and critical security studies. Her work on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda has influenced both academic research and policy-making, shaping global discussions on gender mainstreaming in peace and security frameworks. Her scholarship bridges theoretical innovation with practical application, impacting how gender is understood in international governance and conflict resolution.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Shepherd is actively engaged in the broader academic and public sphere through:

• Delivering keynote addresses and public lectures at international conferences on gender and security
• Serving on editorial boards of prominent journals in international relations and feminist studies
• Contributing to policy discussions and committees related to the UN’s Women, Peace, and Security framework