CERP brings together top international researchers and experts who engage with policy makers in Pakistan in order to address real-life challenges. For this, CERP uses its Smart Policy Design and Implementation (SPDI) framework in which data and evidence feed into effective solutions. Our empirical approach focuses on policy research based on sustained engagements between researchers and policy actors. These collaborations can then both generate frontier scholarship and lead to the design of feasible and effective policy. Our approach also includes training and communications activities to increase demand for empirically driven policy and build the capacity to carry it out.
CERP assists leading economists and scholars across the world by connecting them with a nexus of international and local partner organisations, as well as with key government institutions and policy counterparts in order to promote evidence-based decision making and high-impact reforms.
These researchers are based at leading academic institutions across the world. They host their projects within Pakistan at CERP, working on key research themes around socio-economic issues that range from education, health, and women’s empowerment, to public policy and social reforms.
CERP is involved in the successful incubation and seamless management of the Research Projects. CERP has accumulated a vast portfolio of impactful projects in major research areas.
CERP has an ever-expanding network of researchers across the globe.
CERP engages with leading international and local academics from the fields of economics, political science, data science, public policy, and social science.
At the highest level of this engagement is CERP’s network of esteemed Research Fellows. Our Research Fellows are affiliated with prestigious research and academic institutions in the US, Europe, and South Asia.
This includes Harvard University, Duke University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, London School of Economics, and University of Central Asia, as well as local institutions like Lahore University of Management Sciences, Institute of Business Administration, Lahore School of Economics, and others. Researchers are invited to join the network as Research Fellows based on their outstanding work and contributions in their respective fields.
Graduate Student Fellows (GSFs) are PhD candidates or recent PhD graduates who are selected on the basis of their propensity to contribute to novel research projects on key socio-economic issues in Pakistan.
In addition to gaining a platform for hosting their research projects, GSFs are able to gain from their affiliation by getting access to mentorship and guidance from CERP’s network including senior principal investigators who have extensive experience and are currently leading large-scale research projects.
The Research Development provides valuable guidance to researchers on the particularities of research project implementation within the local context; manages seamless coordination with authorities and government relations, and also provides unique access to its network. This is all in addition to the in-house services that affiliated researchers and organisations are able to access at CERP including Policy Advisory, Analytics, Survey, and Executive Education through Learning Hub.
Early-career researchers are also encouraged to apply to join CERP’s network as Graduate Student Fellows (GSF).
Unique access to a network of high-ranking research organisations, academic institutes, local implementation partners, eminent researchers currently working in the field, funding organisations, public and private sector partners, and media and advocacy platforms that provide researchers with the opportunity to effectively disseminate their findings.
If you would like to join CERP’s network as a Research Fellow, Graduate Student Fellow, or partner in a different capacity, please contact us at [email protected] for more details.
Guidance on research operations. Improving research management; using services available at CERP.
CERP IRB ensures ethical research and the protection of human research subjects.
Facilitation in regulatory matters such as obtaining permission from local authorities to conduct research.
Support in fundraising efforts. Identifying opportunities, grant writing, and proposal development.
To enhance high-quality independent empirical research in Pakistan, CERP has established an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This provides a unique opportunity for researchers at CERP to have their research with human subjects reviewed by local experts who have a unique and crucial understanding of the local context, and have a better insight into the ethical considerations, and possible pitfalls through a local IRB. This was previously not possible, often with sole reliance on foreign IRBs. The purpose of this is to strengthen the foundation of research within Pakistan as well as set benchmarks for high quality research generated in Pakistan that adhere to international standards while being cognisant of local needs.
The Research Development function is the driver of new research projects, evaluation projects, and initiatives at CERP with a focus on building systems and capacity within the organisation for research development. The department upholds the standards of rigorous empirical research and oversees the development, incubation, and successful onboarding of new research projects. It also ensures the smooth management of operations for ongoing projects.
In accordance with CERP’s larger mission of creating positive social impact through promoting a culture of evidence-based decision making in the country, we are constantly working to expand our research into areas of critical importance and find innovative solutions to some of the most pressing issues Pakistan is facing today.
