Data-driven strategic research
People
Accademia is led by our Executive Team. Our Contributors are drawn from our extensive network of experts, on the basis of their wealth of experience and detailed sector knowledge.
Dr Robert Thomas
Dr Robert Thomas is a scientist, writer and Executive Director of Accademia. His academic research has broken new ground in molecular quantum mechanics, and he has previously advised Members of Parliament with a particular focus on education, skills and technology.
Robert read Natural Sciences at Trinity College, Cambridge, gaining a double first and a PhD (2007-2015). Subsequently, he became a Fellow of the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart, Germany, extending the work of his doctorate and developing a theory capable of predicting molecular and solid-state properties with unprecedented accuracy.
Dr Ramin Wali
Dr Ramin Wali is the Managing Partner of an investment firm. For over twenty years, he has structured, devised and led investment for the funding of innovative European and global projects, including authoring financial products in conjunction with major banking institutions and two regulatory bodies. Combined with his financial background, as a qualified psychologist, Dr Wali has historically assessed the social and political impact of large investment projects across Europe.
Ramin took an M.A. in psychology, followed by a Ph.D. in Switzerland, as well as further study in finance and economics at L’Ecole supérieure de commerce in Neuchâtel, and a second M.A. in the history of French literature and pedagogy.
John Oxley
John Oxley is a barrister specialising in complex, high-value matrimonial finance cases and working in corporate strategy for a leading law firm. John read history at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge before being called to the Bar in 2013.
John believes in pragmatic, evidence-led policies with a focus on individual liberty and economic opportunity. He has had numerous articles published and frequently provides legal commentary to the media. He is the campaign manager for Family Law Reform and the Chairman of West Ham Conservative Association.
Dr Hassan Hakimian
Hassan Hakimian is the Director of the London Middle East Institute and a Reader in Economics at SOAS, University of London. He has published widely on Middle Eastern economies specialising on labour markets, inclusive growth and the economics of Arab uprisings.
Dr Hakimian is a Founding member and currently the President of the
International Iranian Economic Association (IEA) and a Research Fellow and member of the Advisory Committee of the Economic Research Forum (ERF) in Cairo. He is the Founder and Series Editor for the “Routledge Political Economy of the Middle East and North Africa,” which he launched in 2003.