Postgraduate in English Literature, Cambridge University. 1980s, teaching, research positions and freelancing; 1988-91, Associate Director, Transnational Institute; 1991-93, Director, Transnational Institute; 1993-2001, Director and 2001-03, Senior Adviser, International Peace Research Institute, Oslo. Currently, Professor of Peace and Conflict, University of Manchester. Formerly: Chair, Institute for War and Peace Reporting; Chair, UN Peacebuilding Fund Advisory Group. Published author on conflict, climate change, Middle East, peace building, international politics. Blogs on international politics at www.dansmithsblog.com. Recipient of awards including OBE and Jeju 4.3 Peace Prize.