Contact
Purnima Porwal
Development Researcher | Research Impact & Policy Analysis
About Me
Professional Profile
As an MSc Development Economics graduate, I'm passionate about rigorous research on development challenges, particularly in gender, labour, and household economics. I'm currently strengthening my technical foundations in mathematics and econometrics while working as a Research & Administration Intern at IFAD, where I'm gaining hands-on experience in impact evaluation and research infrastructure.
I'm actively preparing applications for PhD programs in Development Economics at leading European and UK universities. Simultaneously, I'm strengthening my mathematical foundations through self-study and coursework in calculus, linear algebra, and optimization. My goal is to secure RA or pre-doc positions with accomplished researchers to deepen my technical skills, learn best practices in research design, and contribute meaningfully to policy-relevant research before pursuing doctoral studies.
My expertise spans econometric analysis, large-scale data management (Stata, R, Python), systematic reviews (PRISMA), and research communication. I'm particularly interested in Family, Gender, Labour, and Environmental Economics, with a focus on developing countries.
Technical Expertise
1
Econometric Methods
Panel data models (fixed/random effects), time-series analysis (AR, MA, ARIMA). Familiar with causal inference methods: RCTs, DiD, IV.
2
Data Management
Experienced cleaning, harmonizing, and documenting large household microdata (NFHS, TUS) in Stata.
3
Software & Programming
Intermediate Stata and SPSS user; developing proficiency in R and Python.
Research Capabilities
  • Systematic Reviews: Trained in PRISMA methodology, thematic synthesis, and bibliographic management.
  • Research Communication: Authored peer-reviewed articles and policy outputs; maintain research blog.
Research
Professional Experience
1
Research & Administration Intern
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) - UN Agency, Rome | Feb 2026 – Present
2
Research Collaborator
Institute of Development Studies (IDS) | Jun 2025 - Aug 2025
3
Research Associate
Institute of Development Studies, India | Feb 2025 - May 2025
4
Postgraduate Dissertation
University of Nottingham, UK | Mar 2024 - Nov 2024
5
Policy Research Intern
Niti Tantra (Policy Think Tank) | Oct 2023 - Nov 2023
Academic Background
  • MSc Development Economics - University of Nottingham, UK | Nov 2024 (High Merit in Dissertation)
  • BA Economics and Political Science - Gargi, University of Delhi | Jul 2023 (First Division)
Published Research
Explore my peer-reviewed contributions to academic discourse.
Peer-Reviewed Paper
"A Tempestuous Triangle: Decoding the Impact of Rainfall Variations on Agriculture and Domestic Violence Against Women in India" (2024) - IJMRRS
Research in Progress
  • Systematic Literature Reviews: "Leisure and Sleep Inequalities: A Systematic Review of Time Use" and "Time Allocation in Unpaid, Paid, and Leisure Activities: A Systematic Review" (with M. Mahamallik)
  • Commentary: "Is Time Running Out? India's Work–Life Imbalance Post-Pandemic: Evidence from the Time Use Survey" (with M. Mahamallik)
Writing & Commentary
The Invisible Cage: How Statistical Blindness and the Care Crisis Trap Mothers in Informal Work
Centre for Gender Equality, Institute for Humanities (2026)
An analytical piece examining measurement gaps in care work and informal labour, with policy implications for developing economies.
Research Commentary
"Paper Review 1: Economic Development and the Organization of Labour: A Review of Bandiera et al. (2022)" on Substack (October 2025)
Research Commentary
"Paper Review 2: The UK's Shared Parental Leave–A Case Study in Structural Failure" on Substack
Policy Report
"Identification of Issues in India's Textile Sector and the Way Forward" - NITI Tantra (2023)
Magazine Article
"Varied Pride: Community Inclusiveness in the Economies" - FEMEST Global Magazine (2022)
Research Blog & Updates
This section presents insights from my Substack paper review series, alongside updates on professional development and academic engagements relevant to my research.
Decoding Research
Dive deep into cutting-edge research with detailed paper review series on Substack. Each post breaks down complex studies, offering critical analysis and practical implications.
Professional Development Highlights
Advanced Training
Stats2Econo Summer Course, IZA/FCDO G2LM|LIC LSE Development Economics Course (2025)
Systematic Review
Systematic Review Training at MNIT Jaipur, NFHS Data Analysis Using Stata at IDS Jaipur (2025)
Data Analytics
Data Analytics & Policy Fellowship at IISPPR, Data Analysis Using R at PGDAV University of Delhi (2022)
Conferences & Training
PAA 2026 Annual Meeting - Poster submission (under review); Impact Evaluation Techniques Workshop (forthcoming)
Professional Affiliation
Royal Economic Society (RES) - Membership 2026
Achievements & Recognition
My academic journey is distinguished by significant achievements and recognitions, underscoring a consistent commitment to scholarly excellence and active engagement within the economics community.
Global Peace Summit Delegate
Selected among 120 global delegates for the Global Peace Summit Paris (2026), recognized for leadership and commitment to UN SDGs.
Data Analytics & Policy Fellow
Selected for the IISPPR Fellowship (2025), awarded merit-based partial financial aid.
Systematic Review Training
Selected Participant for Systematic Review Training at MNIT Jaipur (2025).
National Finalist
Shree Ram Economics Paper Competition (2021).
Competition Winner
Inter-College Economics Article Competition (2021).
Research Collaboration Areas
Connect & Collaborate
I'm always open to discussing new research, potential collaborations, or speaking engagements. Feel free to reach out through any of the channels below.
Contact
Made with