Biography
Dr. Newal Osman is a talented historian and educator, known for her insightful contributions to the field of South Asian history. Dr. Osman’s academic journey has been characterized by a pursuit of understanding the complex dynamics of historical transitions, particularly during the critical period of the India-Pakistan partition. She completed her PhD in History from Trinity College, University of Cambridge, where she conducted pioneering research on the transformation of center-province relations during the colonial Indian state’s evolution into Pakistan, especially with regard to West Punjab. This research forms the basis of her upcoming book which will shed light on the intricate interplay of historical forces that shaped the region. She had the honour of receiving a distinction in her graduate studies at the London School of Economics, from where she acquired an MSc in History of International Relations. Her undergraduate alma mater is the Lahore University of Management Sciences where she obtained a BSc (Hons) in Social Science (concentration in Political Science) with double minors in Mathematics and Economics.
As an Assistant Professor of History at the Institute of Business Administration in Pakistan, she guided students through a diverse array of courses, ranging from international history to South Asian studies. Beyond the classroom, she supervised undergraduate thesis and played an instrumental role in fostering a vibrant academic environment. Earlier in her career, she served as a Research Associate at Sindh Education Foundation as well as a Research Assistant at the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Osman later served as a Visiting Fellow at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, and as a Rangoonwala Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford. Her research contributions are in the process of being published by reputable publishing houses, and have been presented at prestigious conferences. Additionally, Dr. Osman’s editorial acumen is evident through her role as an Associate Editor and Reviewer for the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences International Journal (LASSIJ). Owing to her expertise, she has regularly provided consultancy services to the Citizens’ Archive of Pakistan.
Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Dr. Osman actively engages with public discourse on history and society. She has participated in renowned literary and academic festivals, where she shared her insights and perspectives. Over the years Dr. Osman has been a recipient of many prestigious scholarships and fellowships, including those by the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust, Smuts Memorial Fund, Trinity College, Cambridge, and the Rangoonwala Trust.
Dr. Osman’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the academic landscape, making her a sought-after authority in the realm of history.
Education
- Ph.D. in History, Trinity College, University of Cambridge, UK, 2013
- MSc in History of International Relations (Distinction), London School of Economics, UK, 2007
- BSc (Hons) Social Sciences (Political Science), Lahore University of Management Sciences, 2006
Teaching and research experience
- Visiting Fellow, Trinity College, University of Cambridge, UK (2022)
- Assistant Professor of History, Institute of Business Administration, Karachi, Pakistan (2013-2022)
- Rangoonwala Visiting Fellow, University of Oxford, UK (2020)
Courses Taught
- Pakistan Studies
- 20th Century International History
- Politics in Colonial Punjab
- History of the Cold War
- Inter-Disciplinary Social Science Seminar
- Introduction to Historical Methods
- Topics in Historiography
