Dr Elizabeth Kopel is a Senior Research Fellow and Program Leader of the Informal Economy Research Program at the Papua New Guinea National Research Institute. She co- shares leadership of the Gender Research Program. Dr Kopel has a PhD from the University of York, UK; a MSc in Project Management (with Distinction) from the University of Northumbria, UK; a MSW from the University of Western Australia and a BSW Honours (First Class) from the University of PNG. Dr Kopel has a background in academia; teaching at the University of PNG and the University of Manchester, UK. She has extensive experience in consultancy work in the areas of social impact assessments and feasibility studies. She contributes to policy influence work through participation in relevant government committees and working groups. Her research interests include the informal economy, women’s economic empowerment, social development as well as urban settlements and housing.