SEEP 2010 Annual Conference: Economics junkie reporting from the SEEP Conference
Harshika Errangani will be guest blogging during the SEEP 2010 Annual Conference.
My daily mantra is “success is not an entitlement; it has to be earned.” I am a researcher with experience in economics and statistical analysis and currently serve as a Business Development Associate at the IRIS Center. As a member of the Marketing Team, I help identify and pursue possible sources of funding. Previously, I worked as a Research and Analysis Intern for IRIS on their Financial Services Assessment Project conducting research and providing program support. A little known fact about me – the Wall Street Journal is my Bible. I’m a true economics junkie!
The IRIS Center
The IRIS Center at the University of Maryland is a non-profit international development organization on the College Park campus. In addition to the College Park headquarters, IRIS manages field offices in those countries where we implement long-term research or assistance projects. IRIS is organized into six substantive areas:
- Economic and Institutional Analysis
- Enterprise Development
- Governance and Civil Society
- Legal and Regulatory Reform
- Human Rights
- Measurement
Project Directors within each group have principal authority over specific projects. IRIS staff is comprised of researchers and advisory assistance managers, who are PhD economists (or political economists), lawyers, technical specialists, and support staff.
During its 20-year history, the IRIS Center has been recognized as a leader in research on a wide range of institutional reform issues in developing and transitional countries. IRIS experts have worked around the world to identify ways to improve the lives of the poor and disadvantaged. Our work aims to ensure that these institutional arrangements are designed and function to provide justice for everyone in society, especially those who are excluded, poor, or significantly disadvantaged. The IRIS Center works with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to help improve the regulatory environment for economic growth, social development, rule of law, democratic governance, microfinance, women’s issues, and more.