Sudhanshu Handa

Sudhanshu Handa is the Kenan Eminent Professor of Public Policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With a distinguished career in both academia and international policy, he recently returned from a pivotal role as the Chief of Social & Economic Policy at UNICEF's Office of Research-Innocenti in Florence, Italy. During his tenure at UNICEF, Handa spearheaded the Innocenti Report Card Series, a critical initiative that examines child poverty in affluent nations, providing valuable insights into the socio-economic challenges faced by children in these countries. In addition to his work on child poverty, Handa was actively involved in the activities of the Carolina Population Center (CPC), where he facilitated workshops and collaborated with CPC fellows. His leadership extended to managing the CPC-based grant portfolio as the Principal Investigator on the Transfer Project. This project is renowned for its comprehensive analysis of cash transfer programs and their effects on poverty alleviation and human development across Africa. Handa's research interests are deeply rooted in understanding the dynamics of poverty, human development, and behavioral psychology, particularly among impoverished rural communities in Africa. His work has significantly contributed to the discourse on how economic policies can be tailored to improve the lives of vulnerable populations. Currently, he is engaged in a study that explores the health and poverty implications of a private sector cook stove company in Rwanda, aiming to uncover sustainable solutions for energy access and economic empowerment. Throughout his career, Handa has demonstrated a commitment to bridging the gap between research and policy implementation, ensuring that his findings translate into actionable strategies that benefit marginalized communities. His expertise in human development and behavioral psychology continues to inform his approach to tackling complex socio-economic issues, making him a leading figure in the field of public policy. Handa's contributions extend beyond his research, as he is also a mentor to students and young professionals, fostering the next generation of policy experts. His dedication to education and policy advocacy underscores his belief in the transformative power of informed policy-making to create equitable and sustainable societies.