Erik Melander earned his Ph.D. (1999) in peace and conflict research at Uppsala University in Sweden. At the Kroc Institute, he devotes his time to the Peace Process Implementation Effort (PRIME), a joint initiative between Uppsala University and the Kroc Institute, which builds on and integrates the research of both institutions on peace agreements.
Melander retains his position as associate professor in the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University and as deputy director of the Uppsala Conflict Data Program.