Brandon University will welcome international experts in peace and conflict studies for a public event exploring how inclusive governance can build lasting peace in divided societies.
The panel, titled Designing Inclusive Peace, will take place Wednesday, September 17 at 5 p.m., in the Gathering Space of the John E. Robbins Library. The event is part of the Faculty of Arts Speaker Series and is open to the public.
Visiting scholars include Dr. Anthony Tutugoro (University of New Caledonia), the first Caledonian to hold a doctorate in political science, and Dr. Megumi Kagawa (Waseda University, Japan), an expert on power-sharing in Southeast Asia. They will be joined by BU political scientists Dr. Allison McCulloch and Dr. Valentino Grbavac, whose SSHRC-funded research on inclusive peace settlements connects Brandon University to a global network of scholars.
This collaborative work is supported by a $330,000 grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), awarded to Dr. McCulloch and Dr. Grbavac. The project is part of the Open Research Area (ORA 7), which brings together more than $2.1 million in international funding across four partner countries.
As part of their visit, Dr. Tutugoro and Dr. Kagawa will also contribute directly to student learning at BU. From September 15–17, Dr. Tutugoro will join Dr. Grbavac’s classes discussing Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Dr. Kagawa will participate in Dr. McCulloch’s courses exploring the Bangsamoro region of the Philippines. Their time at BU coincides with their participation at the American Political Science Association’s 2025 conference in Vancouver.
“We’re thrilled to bring these global conversations to Brandon,” said Dr. Allison McCulloch, Professor of Political Science at BU. “By learning from cases around the world, we can better understand the challenges of building inclusive institutions in societies emerging from conflict. This kind of comparative dialogue is at the heart of our research.”
“The Faculty of Arts is proud to host such outstanding international scholars,” said Dr. Gregory Kennedy, Dean of Arts at BU. “Events like this expand our students’ horizons and connect our community to pressing global issues. They also speak to the incredible research expertise and dedicated service of our faculty members, such as Dr. McCulloch, in leading the organization of such dynamic events right here at BU.”
“This is exactly the kind of impact that federally funded research should have,” said Dr. Bernadette Ardelli, Vice-President (Research & Graduate Studies) at BU. “Through SSHRC’s support and the ORA partnership, Brandon University is part of a vibrant international research network—and our students and community benefit directly.”
The Designing Inclusive Peace event is free and all are welcome to attend.
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
To receive any BU publication in an alternate format please contact Communications@BrandonU.ca
About BU
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.