Dr Ana Alecsandru

Dr Ana Alecsandru is a Research Fellow in the Proliferation and Nuclear Programme and Programme Manager of UK PONI. Ana’s research interests include nuclear arms control (particularly US-Russia), disarmament, and deterrence. She also manages the preeminent UK Project on Nuclear Issues designed to develop the next generation of nuclear experts.

Ana has nearly a decade of experience in international relations and security working in academia, think tanks and international organisations, including Chatham House, the European Commission (Brussels), NATO HQ (Brussels) and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (New York City). She has a demonstrated history of working on project management, fundraising, teaching, publication, research design and organisation and events implementation on nuclear weapons issues. She is currently undertaking training to acquire PRINCE2 Agile certification.

Ana earned her PhD from the University of Birmingham (2020), with a dissertation on the diplomatic negotiations of nuclear arms control between the United States and Russia. She received an MA in Security Studies and an MA in Research Methods, both from the University of Birmingham (Distinction), as well as a BSc (Hons) in Politics with International Relations from the University of Bath (First-Class). Ana has received multiple research grants, including from the UK Economic and Research Council, Marie Curie, University of Birmingham, US Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration, and Ratiu Family Foundation Grant.