“Local pharmaceutical production in East Africa: south-south production networks and the state”
Read more about this research here: https://regions.regionalstudies.org/ezine/article/from-divergence-big-time-to-converging-divergence/
In response to a dependence on imports, as well as concerns over the quality and longer-term fragility of supply of imported medicines, enhancing the local production of pharmaceuticals is now a key focus of policymakers in sub-Saharan Africa. As part of an RSA Early Career project, I am currently seeking to understand the challenges facing local pharmaceutical firms in the context of “South-South” competition from, and collaboration with, Indian imports, as well as the various industrial policy initiatives shaping the local industry. The project involves conducting fieldwork in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and India, including primary interviews with key stakeholders (local and foreign pharmaceutical firms, industry association groups and policymakers). The project builds on my earlier PhD research on the political economy of the development of the pharmaceutical industry within India.
What are the main benefits of the Early Career Grant?
The Regional Studies Association Early Career grant scheme is a valuable opportunity for scholars to secure much needed research funds in the immediate post-PhD years. Personally, it has provided me with a crucial opportunity to build on my PhD and extend my research – both thematically and geographically – and to make new professional contacts through conference presentations. It is also very attractive and flexible as a small grant being relatively light on administrative load or coordination, allowing more time to be spent directly on the research.
What tips could you give for a successful Early Career Grant application?
- Propose research that fits the RSA’s strategic goals and pushes the agenda of regional development e.g. internationalising the scope, making new inter-disciplinary connections
- Make your research “new” while building on an area where you have established yourself in
- Pursue research that is exciting and that you really want to take forward
“The RSA EC grant was an important stepping stone between PhD research and my first large grant (ESRC Future Research Leaders). It also allowed me to extend my research into new places. I also gained valuable experience about trying to fit fieldwork and writing around a full academic schedule. I would recommend it highly to other early career researchers in the growing Regional Studies community.”