Building bridges: ISSER Director engages research communities in Asia

Prof. Quartey addresses the session, sharing insightful information about ReFinD, the Initiative's third request for proposals, and ISSER.

Prof. Peter Quartey, Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has highlighted the Institute's commitment to forging partnerships and extending its global reach during a networking session with research communities in Asia. The session, hosted by ReFinD -- a sub-grants-awarding research initiative based at ISSER, in collaboration with Inclusion Economics India Centre (IEIC) -- took place at the Eros Hotel in New Delhi.

The gathering aimed to cultivate increased collaborations between ReFinD and financial inclusion-focused research communities in Asia, while promoting the Initiative’s third request for proposals, ReFinD RFP3. Prof. Quartey, also the Executive Director for ReFinD, delivered a comprehensive presentation, showcasing ISSER’s research capacity, publications, training programs, and facilities to an international audience of researchers and stakeholders.

Addressing the gathering, Vinay Nagaraju, IEIC Executive Director, and Urmi Bhattacharya, Research Lead, IEIC, expressed their enthusiasm about the potential for enduring collaboration between ReFinD and research institutions in Asia to advance financial inclusion.

"I am pleased to participate in this collaborative effort to promote the third ReFinD request for proposals, marking significant strides since the launch of this sub-grants-awarding research initiative at ISSER, “Prof. Quartey said. "This networking session provides a rare opportunity for in-person engagement with researchers in Asia, paving the way for future collaborations on financial inclusion and other research endeavors."

"It is indeed a proud moment for us, celebrating our achievements, raising awareness about the ReFinD RFP3, and reminding Asia research communities about the collaboration opportunities available at the ReFinD Research Initiative and host institute, ISSER,” he added.

In addition to open discussions, the session facilitated relaxed one-on-one engagements, fostering deeper connections and collaborations.

Held on April 23, the networking session is part of a series of activities aimed at fostering research partnerships, with a particular focus on research related to financial inclusion.

ReFInD Post-Doctoral Fellow Dr. Daniel Osarfo engages participants in one-on-one discussions following his presentation, guiding them through the ReFinD application portal.

Some of the participants pose for a photo with Prof. Quartey, alongside Dr. Osarfo, Communications Manager, Vicentia Quartey, and Research Assistant Derek Walt-Collins.