The University of Fiji’s School of Business and Economics has achieved a significant milestone with two of its academics being awarded the prestigious DevNet Pacific Research Grant for their respective research projects.
Dr Navneel Prasad and Ms Priteshni Chand secured the highly competitive regional research funding for projects focusing on migration, labour participation and economic development in Fiji.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the achievement reflects the increasing quality and relevance of research being undertaken at the University of Fiji.
“We are gradually seeing an exponential increase in the quality and quantity of research outputs at the University of Fiji and this is due to the robustness of our Strategic Plan 2022-2026 structure which measures outputs and outcomes defining and encouraging public good research.”
Dr Prasad’s research project, “Beyond Income: A Multi-Factorial Analysis of Socio-Economic, Institutional and Environmental Determinants of Migration Intentions in Fiji”, will examine the broader social, institutional and environmental factors influencing migration intentions in Fiji.
Ms Chand’s project, “Low Female Labour Force Participation: Causes, Implications and Impacts on Economic Development of Developing Countries: The Case of Fiji”, will investigate the structural barriers affecting women’s workforce participation and the wider impacts on economic development.
Speaking on the award, Dr Prasad said research funding opportunities of this nature remain rare within Fiji.
“I am thrilled and honoured to receive this research grant from a regional body such as DevNet. Opportunities such as this are rare, as no such research funding is available in Fiji to conduct field research,” he said.
Ms Chand said the grant would provide important support for the successful implementation of her field research.
“I am incredibly honoured and deeply grateful to DevNet for investing in my research. This grant not only validates the direction of my thesis but also provides the crucial financial support needed to execute this fieldwork effectively,” she said.
Interim Dean Professor Murage Ranasinghe described the recognition of two academics from the same school by DevNet as a major achievement for the University and its research community.
DevNet, the Aotearoa New Zealand International Development Studies Network, connects researchers, development practitioners, NGOs and government agencies involved in international development across the region.
The research projects are expected to commence in July 2026.
