Introduction
Dr Melina Galdos is a Research Fellow at the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), University of Sussex. Her research focuses on understanding how different actors perceive and act on innovation by examining the case of transformative innovations in Latin America. Her research interests revolve around the role of universities, organisations' normative expectations, and researchers' values and beliefs around the potential of innovation to overcome social exclusion. She is also the Secretary of the not-for-profit organisation Científicos.pe and the founder of the social initiative Kamaq.
Expert
My research focuses on the role of universities as relational spaces where different narratives and practices regarding development converge. I study how the knowledge stemming from various societal actors is used in these spaces to produce technology-based innovations aimed at catering to the needs of excluded populations. I currently work within the Transformative Innovation Policy Consortium (TIPC), developing an approach to integrate transdisciplinary research approaches with the transformative innovation one to accelerate sustainable and just transitions in the Global South.
Fields of expertise: Inclusive social development / inclusive societies / social inclusion, Science policy, technology and innovation policy, Social change / social transformations, Sustainable Development Goals