Chinagorom Ajike: From Public Policy to Bridging Sustainability in Industry 

With over 14 years of experience in the public sector and international development, Chinagorom Ajike brought a wealth of expertise to the Oxford SDG Impact Lab. As a recent Master of Public Policy (MPP) graduate with a PhD in Thermal Engineering, Chinagorom exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach needed to tackle global sustainability challenges. 

"I was drawn to the Oxford SDG Impact Lab due to its unique approach in bridging the gap between academia and industry," Chinagorom explains. His expectation to gain deeper insights into private sector work culture and develop impactful solutions was not only met but exceeded. 

The Lab's masterclass series proved instrumental in preparing Chinagorom for his fieldwork. "The series on 'sustainability mobility in cities and communities' was particularly helpful in navigating the Associate Commute and Hydrogen research projects at the BMW Group Mini Plant Oxford," he reflects. This theoretical foundation, combined with his extensive public sector experience, set the stage for a transformative field lab experience. 

Working with BMW Group officials, Chinagorom gained invaluable insights into implementing sustainable initiatives in a corporate environment. "I learned the importance of aligning business objectives with sustainability goals to drive meaningful change," he notes. The projects on Associate Commute and potential use of Hydrogen emphasised the adoption of sustainable transport and green technologies, directly contributing to SDGs 7, 11, and 13. 

This experience profoundly shaped Chinagorom's appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration. "Working with team members from diverse academic backgrounds demonstrated that addressing complex sustainability challenges requires diverse expertise and collaborative problem-solving skills," he shares. The guidance from BMW Group industry partners reinforced the importance of strong partnerships and open communication in achieving set goals. 

Reflecting on his experience, Chinagorom offers valuable advice to future participants: "Engage actively with the masterclass series, harness the opportunity to interact with diverse peers, and approach each challenge with an innovative mindset. Be prepared to unlearn and relearn as you navigate different situations." 

The SDG Impact Lab has rekindled Chinagorom's “commitment to driving positive change through innovative solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration". With renewed purpose, he aims to pursue roles that bridge academia, industry, and the public sector, developing and implementing policies aligned with the SDGs. Chinagorom's journey exemplifies the transformative power of the Oxford SDG Impact Lab, positioning him to make significant contributions to global sustainability initiatives and public service delivery.