Dr Aneeza Pervez is a social and developmental psychologist and incoming Betty Behrens Research Fellow at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge (2025–2028). Her research focuses on prosociality, belonging, and the relational and moral dimensions of institutional life, particularly in education. She has led national projects on kindness in higher education, international student belonging, and collaborative research practices. Aneeza’s work brings together qualitative inquiry, critical pedagogy, and sector engagement, with a focus on creating spaces where students and educators can reflect, connect, and participate meaningfully. She writes on international student support, inclusive teaching, and the role of values in shaping policy and practice, and is committed to research that bridges scholarly thinking with everyday institutional realities.

This presentation draws on UK-wide research exploring how international students experience belonging in higher education. Viewing belonging as a relational and institutional process, the study identifies three key principles for fostering it: relational trust, epistemic inclusion, and cultural humility. Based on interviews, surveys, and sector consultations, the proposed framework guides educators and policymakers toward deeper, values-led approaches that move beyond surface-level inclusion to create meaningful, shared belonging.