Joseph Diing | XCEPT
Joseph Diing is a South Sudanese researcher with the Rift Valley Institute who has been involved in the XCEPT programme from its early stages. In this interview, he reflects on how the programme has shaped his research journey—introducing him to academic writing, exposing him to critical literature on borderlands, and encouraging him to explore themes […]
Sophie Stevens | XCEPT
Sophie Stevens, Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for the XCEPT programme at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), shares reflections from over a year and a half of overseeing the programme. As the person accountable for its delivery, effectiveness and value for money, she outlines how XCEPT has made a meaningful impact across more […]
Pamela Combined | XCEPT
Pamela Combinido of Humanitarian Advisory Group reflects on leading the review of the Ex-Border Local Research Network under the XCEPT programme. She highlights the value of locally-led research in gaining access to complex contexts and producing grounded, credible evidence. She discusses how the network’s connections and trust have allowed researchers to capture the experiences of […]
Nathan Shea | XCEPT
Nathan Shea is the Assistant Director for Conflict and Fragility at The Asia Foundation and the Programme Manager for XCEPT. In this interview, he discusses how XCEPT has challenged dominant narratives about conflict-affected borderlands—shifting the focus from disorder and criminality to opportunity, resilience and local innovation. Nathan highlights the importance of bringing in the voices […]
Mohanad Hage Ali | XCEPT
Mohanad Hage Ali, Deputy Director of Research at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, reflects on his team’s engagement in the MENA region through the XCEPT project. Focusing on research in the border areas of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, he explains how these regions reveal early signs of wider trends such as state fragility, […]
Dalle Ibrahim | XCEPT
Dalle Ibrahim, a researcher based in northern Kenya, speaks about the power of community-led research and the unique role local researchers play in understanding the region’s challenges. He underscores how trust and access are central to gathering meaningful data, particularly in fragile or marginalised areas. Drawing on his experience in the XCEPT programme, Dalle reflects […]
Elizabeth Nyibol | XCEPT
Elizabeth Nyibol, a South Sudanese researcher and long-time contributor to the XCEPT programme, shares her journey from local research to global engagement. Through her work on projects like Changing Tests and her publication Triple Burden, she reflects on how six years with XCEPT expanded her research skills, from data analysis and policy writing to coding […]
Consortium Partners Learning and Project Closeout Convening | 11-13 Feb 2025
Highlights from the XCEPT Consortium Partners Learning and Project Closeout Convening held from 11–13 February 2025 at Lake Naivasha Resort, Kenya. This convening brought together partners from across the XCEPT programme to reflect on six years of collaborative research and impact, share learning and explore ways to sustain locally led research in conflict-affected areas. The […]
Rose Wright | XCEPT
Rose Wright, Conflict Adviser at the British Embassy in Juba, reflects on the role of research and evidence in shaping conflict-sensitive responses across South Sudan and the region. From shifting gender norms to regional instability, she shares why programmes like XCEPT are vital to understanding and supporting peace in complex contexts. She also highlights the […]
Rebecca Lorins | XCEPT
Rebecca Lorins, co-founder of Likikiri Collective and assistant professor at the University of Juba, discusses how researchers can move beyond written reports to engage broader audiences in South Sudan. She highlights the importance of using theatre, live performance, podcasts and multimedia to share evidence in accessible ways, especially in contexts with diverse literacies. She also […]