COVENTRY University has strengthened its specialist research capabilities with the appointment of a globally-recognised expert on the international arms trade.
Dr Paul Holtom has joined the university from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), where he was director of its Arms Transfer Programme. His appointment at Coventry University coincided with the launch of the latest SIPRI data on international arms transfers in 2013.
Dr Holtom's interests lie in strengthening arms transfer controls and combating illicit and irresponsible arms trade. His work has informed negotiations on the multilateral Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and he has served as an expert for a United Nations group of governmental experts.
During his seven years at SIPRI he oversaw the collation and dissemination of authoritative data on arms transfers as part of his efforts to promote greater transparency. His analysis of trends in the international arms trade, and implications for peace and international and human security, is widely respected, said the university.
The data released by SIPRI documents recent trends in the international arms trade, highlighting the major arms exporters and importers and arms transfers to areas of tension and conflict. Recent reports have shown the rise of China as an arms exporter, India cementing its position as the world's largest arms importer and the impact of the financial crisis on European arms imports.
Dr Holtom's recruitment comes as the university is developing its research activities following a recent submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) - the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
The university said his appointment demonstrated its ambition in the realm of policy-relevant research on issues relating to international peace and security.
Dr Holtom said: "I am delighted to have joined Coventry University. Its reputation for enhancing our understanding of peace building and conflict resolution is growing on the international stage and I am very much looking forward to contributing to its impressive body of research."
John Latham, acting Vice-Chancellor at Coventry University, added: "I would like to congratulate Paul on his appointment. As a respected authority on the international arms trade he brings expert knowledge of a crucial aspect of peace and reconciliation studies and his appointment will undoubtedly bolster our research in this area."
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