Ali is a systems modeller dedicated to applying data-driven approaches to tackle complex challenges in agri-food systems. By developing and integrating system dynamics, agent-based, and microsimulation models, Ali investigates the environmental and socio-economic dynamics of agri-food systems. His work evaluates the effectiveness of current and alternative policies, offering actionable pathways toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
After graduating from high school in Afghanistan, Ali pursued a BA in Political Science and International Relations at Avicenna University while actively engaging in civil society and media activism. He held roles in various organisations, including Afghan's Perspective Weekly Publication, Afghans for Progressive Thinking (APT), and Nawroz Newspaper. In 2014, Ali founded the Rainbow Social and Cultural Organisation (RSCO), an award-winning and pioneering NGO that mobilised hundreds of youth volunteers toward sustainable development initiatives.
In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to study for an MSc in Environment and Development at the University of Reading. Following his Master's degree, he secured a PhD studentship at Coventry University's Centre for Agroecology, Water, and Resilience (CAWR). His doctoral research focused on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of food waste in urban circular economies. Using system dynamics modelling, Ali provided new insights into sustainable food waste management and developed a policy analysis tool for local and national authorities.
After completing his PhD, Ali continued at CAWR as a postdoctoral researcher, focusing on developing an agent-based model of farmers in England. There, he developed a synthetic population of farmers in England to explore the behaviours of the farm agents in response to Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs), contributing to the design of more effective agricultural policies.