Lauren Mellows is the Communications & Engagement Manager for Security & Defence PLuS (S&D+), a trilateral university partnership between King’s College London, Arizona State University, and UNSW.

Based at King’s, she leads strategic communications and engagement to amplify S&D+ education, research, and thought-leadership initiatives across the three countries and institutions. She also oversees the delivery of international events that convene academic, military, government, and industry partners to address critical issues in security and defence.

Before joining S&D+, Lauren was Communications Manager at the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN), where she supported global peacebuilding networks and women’s leadership in conflict-affected settings. She previously served as Editorial Manager at Asoko Insight in Nairobi, Kenya, leading pan-African business intelligence content.

Lauren holds an MSc in African Studies from the University of Oxford and a BSc in Politics and Sociology from the University of Bristol.