Purnima Menon

With over three years of leadership as Senior Director for Food & Nutrition Policy at IFPRI, I provide strategic oversight for our global research on transforming food systems and deploying the power of other systems for a better-nourished world. Working with IFPRI’s Director General and Senior Management Team, I contribute to shaping research strategies, enhancing program delivery, and fostering collaborations across the institute.

My work emphasizes data-driven policy solutions and evidence-based strategies to address complex global challenges in food security, gender, social inclusion and nutrition. With a PhD in International Nutrition from Cornell University, my research has focused on evaluating large-scale programs spanning agriculture, nutrition, gender, health and social protection, resulting in over 200 peer-reviewed articles in top journals. I am especially committed to advancing interdisciplinary collaborations and engaging with policymakers to strengthen evidence uptake. My contributions include influential global reports and evidence-to-policy courses that empower decision-makers worldwide with knowledge they can use. I am deeply committed to equity in leadership and helped to co-found the Next Gen(d)eration Leadership Collective.

I enjoy food-related pursuits, am an avid birder, enjoy contemporary art exhibitions, and love to attend live music performances, especially in jazz and Indian classical music, both known for their creative explorations.