Dr Jake Dizard
Director of Research

Jake is a dedicated researcher who approaches his work on drug policy from a background in human rights and political science. Jake brings twenty years of experience in non-government organisations and academia, where he has identified and analysed human rights violations and advocated for changes to the systems that produce them.

Jake’s previous work centered on human rights issues arising from the transnational war on drugs, with a focus on Latin America. In his role at Penington Institute, Jake’s international background helps provide a broad perspective to the drug policy questions facing Australia. Jake strives to produce research that brings together multiple forms of evidence to provide clear analysis and actions for both community members and policymakers.

Jake holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University, and a PhD in political science from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jake joined Penington Institute in late 2021 as Senior Research Officer, transitioning to the Director role in 2024.