Yulia Taranova

Yulia Taranova is a prominent figure in the field of social sciences, currently serving as a doctoral researcher at the Russia Institute of King's College London. She is also the founding director of the Social Sciences Lab, a Moscow-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational programs in social sciences. The lab, which was operational from 2017 until its closure in 2021 after being labeled a "foreign agent" by Russian authorities, aimed to support young Russian academics through scholarships, training, and networking opportunities.12

Educational Background

• Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Oxford (2013)
• Diploma in International Relations from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) (2011)
• Currently pursuing a PhD focused on political behavior in post-Soviet Russia at King’s College London.13

Career Highlights

• Research Director at Analitika One Ltd since January 2022, where she designs and commissions research projects intersecting public policy and investment.1
• Worked with the Open Government initiative in Russia under the Prime Minister's office before founding the Social Sciences Lab.2
• Co-authored significant reports for international organizations, including the World Economic Forum, and has contributed to major publications like The New York Times and The Economist.1

Recognition and Impact

Taranova has been recognized for her contributions to academia and public policy, receiving various fellowships including from the Royal Society of Arts and the Higher Education Academy. Her work continues to influence discussions around social sciences and governance in Russia and beyond.1