John Collins is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in academic engagement and drug policy. Currently serving as Director of Academic Engagement at the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime and Editor In Chief of The Journal of Illicit Economies and Development (JIED), Collins focuses on the intersection of illicit markets and development. Additionally, Collins holds fellow positions at Shanghai University and The University of Hong Kong's Centre for Criminology. Previous roles include Executive Director of the International Drug Policy Unit at LSE and International Drug Policy Project Coordinator at LSE IDEAS. Collins earned a Master's degree in International History from LSE and a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science from Trinity College Dublin, contributing significant research on international drug control relations.