Bell was previously director of the office of opinion research within State and was responsible for briefing senior White House policy makers and Congress on issues relating to foreign public opinion. His work has taken him to both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Alongside Bell, Pew has hired its first development director, Matt Farrey, who was most recently the director of corporate and foundation relations at American University.

Pew president Andrew Kohut said: “We’re excited to have Jim and Matt on board as the Pew Research Center expands its research portfolio. Their experience and knowledge will aid the Pew Research Center in its mission to provide the press, policymakers and citizens – in the United States and abroad – an objective, data-driven approach to understanding the trends shaping an increasingly interconnected world.”