Between the Lines

Reflections on Development with Melissa Leach

Between the Lines

Show Notes

In this special episode of the IDS Between the Lines podcast, Andy Sumner, Professor of International Development at Kings College London and President of the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI) interviews Professor Melissa Leach who leaves IDS after 33 years. This includes the last decade of her being the Director of IDS.

In the conversation Melissa talks about:

What her main research and policy contributions have been and how have these evolved over the years How has development studies changed over her time at IDS? And what does she see as the main opportunities and challenges for the future in an uncertain world?

This podcast is a must-listen for people interested in how development studies has changed over the last 30 years and how we re-cast development studies for future generations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Between the Lines

Sep 9, 2026

The sudden collapse of USAID in 2025 sent shockwaves through Uganda’s HIV response and the people hardest hit are those the system was already failing.

Aug 17, 2026

As climate shocks become more frequent across East and Southern Africa, building resilience is critical to reducing poverty and improving wellbeing.

Jul 9, 2026

African countries must work more closely together at regional and continental levels if they are to overcome barriers to innovation and drive sustainable development, experts have warned.

Jun 17, 2026

Social protection is seen as a solution to many problems of development, including poverty, food insecurity and access to services. But we also know that social protection has its limitations. So how do we justify getting Governments to invest in social protection programmes rather than investing in infrastructure or job creation or other services like health and education?

May 27, 2026

IDS was recently honoured to welcome the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr Harini Amarasuriya to mark the 60th anniversary of IDS. She shared her journey from her career as an academic and an activist before entering politics and being elected as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 2024.

See all episodes →