Stephen Ajadi has received the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Award for research impact and engagement at the University of Cambridge. The Vice Chancellor's Award is the highest accreditation for research impact offered at the University of Cambridge. Stephen also received the 2023 Cambridge Society for the Application of Research (CSAR) Prize for the most outstanding PhD thesis for research excellence.

Stephen’s research studied the spatial impact of extreme conflict and violence on open spaces in Nigeria and areas of the Sahel. The study focused particularly on the vulnerability of informal open markets. During the course of this work, Stephen has led the largest ethnographic study ever attempted in a volatile African city, completing over 7000 physical interviews. Stephen’s study has uncovered critical spatial and policy gaps, offering practical strategies for engagement. Implementation of the research has started on a small scale in Nigeria, with recommendations for boarder impact. More details on Stephen’s work and the award can be read here.