Arol Dut is a Research Assistant at the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC), University of Birmingham, focusing on governance, policy effectiveness, and institutional reform in fragile states. He is also the Co-founder and Executive Secretary of the South Sudan Reading Society, promoting literacy and education through mentorship programmes and book discussions.

Previously, Arol contributed significantly to Kush Bank PLC in South Sudan, where he played an active role in developing financial products for women entrepreneurs, organised financial literacy initiatives for students and teachers, and managed strategic partnerships with institutions like Afreximbank and the World Food Programme.

In 2024, Arol was selected as the sole recipient of the prestigious Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at the University of Birmingham, awarded to just one African scholar out of over 15,000 applicants—a testament to his academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to governance and policy research. He has also received multiple honours from Riara University, including the Vice Chancellor’s Roll of Honour and Excellence in Leadership Award.

He holds a First Class Honours B.A. in International Relations & Diplomacy and is currently concluding an MSc in Development Policy and Politics (with Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship Internship) at the University of Birmingham.

Email: aroljok01@gmail.com, aid481@student.bham.ac.uk.

LinkedIn: Arol Dut