The ACU and the British Council have partnered to establish the Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort, supporting 26 rising-star researchers to bring local knowledge to a global stage in the lead-up to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).Throughout 2021, this unique and diverse cohort will build international collaborations and work with experts to influence issues related to climate and environment in their communities and beyond.   The cohort convenes researchers with expertise in a range of disciplines, and who have a deep understanding of communities disproportionately impacted by climate change. Reflecting the diversity of the Commonwealth, members of cohort are based at 25 ACU member universities from 16 countries. The 26 researchers will attend a series of expert-led workshops and design and deliver peer-led research-to-action projects. They will be mentored by senior academics and experts in the sector, and identify opportunities to further their engagement with global climate stakeholders.

- Established valuable connections with, on the one hand, stakeholders within local and national governments and the UK Parliament ; and, on the other hand, researchers within the University, in the process of matching identified calls for evidence with relevant academic expertise in order to enable evidence-informed decision-making. - Participated in the planning, organisation and delivery of policy events aimed at creating forums bringing together policymakers and experts in various fields, most notably the "Evidence Week" event at the Palace of Westminster in London.- Undertook research on the definition and measurement of community cohesion and integration within Hampshire, presented recommendations during a stakeholders workshop, and published an executive summary of the findings, as part of a project completed for Hampshire County Council.- Conducted telephone interviews with medical researchers and practitioners to draft a paper reflecting the policy landscape with regards to the issue of preconception health and highlighting the challenges posed in translating scientific understandings into practical policy impact.

- Researched on the issue of State responsibility for transboundary pollution from offshore oil and gas activities, acquiring an expertise in various relevant aspects notably international environmental law and policy, safety regulation and risk management - Developed an expertise in conducting research in interdisciplinary areas, and provided innovative solutions to complex legal and policy problems - Presented a research paper at the tenth annual Maritime Law and Policy Postgraduate Research Conference 2019 (City University, London) - Co-authored a book chapter entitled "Regulating the Safety of Offshore Oil & Gas Operations - Performance-based Regulation and the Development of International Regulatory Uniformity in Offshore Oil and Gas Operations" (Elgar Publishing), which won the 2019 Doctoral Research College Award (University of Southampton) - Completed a summer course offered by the European Environmental Agency at the European Central University (Budapest) entitled "Sustainability Transitions and the Precautionary Principle". Enhanced knowledge on the subject, sharpened team-working skills, and made valuable acquaintances in the field

- Handled the negotiation, quoting, drafting and the following-up of marine insurance policies, developing commercial awareness, vital organisational skills, and an effective sense of responsibility - Coordinated between and met with reinsurers, brokers, clients and surveyors

- Played an effective role in the drafting of a bill of law on the incrimination of torture in prisons and detention facilities which was ultimately voted upon and promulgated - Brought important elements of discussion to the table through performing autonomous research in the domain of international criminal law and comparative law to support the project - Liaised between the members of the law bill committee, organised weekly meetings, and wrote progress reports - Extracted valuable information from interviewing the Minister of Internal Affairs

- Provided legal consultations to the bank’s employees in various branches, and gained exposure on the role of banks in international sales - Worked towards tight deadlines and interacted effectively with various departments within a large organisation