Dr. Ben Scher is a Lecturer and Postdoctoral Research Associate at Princeton University's Center for Health and Wellbeing. His research focuses on health inequalities and social exclusion among populations experiencing high levels of overdose and drug-related harm. With a robust background in both frontline services and academic research, Ben’s work aims to produce evidence-based interventions to address the complex health, social, and environmental needs of vulnerable communities, particularly those experiencing homelessness and substance use issues.

 

Ben completed his DPhil (PhD) in Social Policy at the University of Oxford, where he studied open-air drug scenes across the UK, Canada, and Greece. He has presented his research at high-profile policy venues including the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the UK House of Commons, and has delivered a TEDx talk titled "The Logical Next Step in Drug Policy."

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Before his doctoral studies, Ben worked in both Canada and the UK, providing client-facing support in homelessness services, including emergency shelters, overdose prevention centres, housing first programs, and outreach initiatives. These frontline experiences gave him an in-depth understanding of the systemic barriers that hinder effective interventions for people experiencing homelessness.

 

Ben teaches on various topics including participatory research methods, drug policy, and North America's overdose crisis. He is a frequent speaker at national and international academic, drug policy, public health, and policing conferences. With over a decade of experience in homelessness services and extensive research in policy settings, Ben is dedicated to advancing knowledge and creating impactful research that informs policymakers in their efforts to improve and humanize interventions for populations facing high rates of overdose and related health disparities.