Rushil Ranchod

Biography

I am an inter-disciplinary social scientist with interests that lie at the intersection of politics, policy and communications. My recent research and publications have followed two distinct lines of enquiry: first, it focuses on problematising the research-policy nexus in (Southern) Africa and investigates the means by which evidence-informed policymaking is becoming a core part of government practice; second, it explores the exercise of power and hegemony in post-transition societies and the means by which political, economic and cultural authority is developed and consolidated through political and governmental communications. Prior to joining the University of Bath, I worked in research roles at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS,Brighton, UK) and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC, Cape Town, South Africa). At the IDS, my work focused on the role of the rising powers in international development. At the HSRC, I worked on a range of policy-informing projects which focused education and skills development, innovation for inclusive development and the research-policy nexus.I was also selected as a World Social Science Fellow by the International Social Science Council while at the HSRC.

Research Interest

Research interests Research-Policy nexus Evidence-Informed policymaking Political communication Political economy of (Southern) Africa