Dr. Damini Singh

Home University: Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
Duration of the Fellowship: 12 months (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025)


Research interests:
I am interested in understanding the trade-offs or synergies between environment and economic development and analyzing how low and middle-income countries can use their scarce resources to achieve sustainable development. Specifically, my research is at the intersection of environmental and health economics. More information is available at https://sites.google.com/view/daminisinghecon.


Why did you apply for the fellowship?
Prof. Stephan Klasen has made significant contributions towards understanding gender issues, poverty, inequality, and environmental issues that resonate with human development, especially in developing countries. I was intrigued by his contributions to human development measurements, in which he sketched a new measure that could capture a general notion of sustainability of human development consisting of indicators of environmental threats to health, net greenhouse gas emission, and adjusted net savings. Given my research interests, I found an excellent opportunity in this fellowship to forward my research agenda and collaborate with one of Germany's best development economics groups.


What would you like to achieve during the course of the fellowship?
During this fellowship, I plan to effectively utilize the resources and expertise available at this prestigious institution to consolidate my existing research work, advance new research ideas, and convert them into high-quality publications that offer important policy implications.


Göttingen at first (and second) sight?
At first sight, I felt it is a charming and picturesque old town characterized by medieval architecture, narrow streets, and beautiful half-timbered houses. At second sight, I noticed that it has a very youthful energy and rich cultural vibe.


What do you do when you are not doing research?
I love painting and cooking food. I also enjoy long walks, as in every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks.