News

Economics Professor wins South African fellowship

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:01:00 GMT

The Head of Economics at Portsmouth Business School has won a prestigious fellowship to conduct research at Rhodes University in South Africa.

Professor Alan Collins has been awarded the Hobart Houghton Research Fellowship. The award is named after Professor Desmond Hobart Houghton, who made significant contributions to thinking about the economic problems of South Africa as a whole.

Professor Collins will spend three months at Rhodes University researching the economics of art and culture in South Africa. His research will particularly focus on the analysis of alternative subsidy models for filmmakers and the development of the South African animation industry.

He said: “I am delighted to have been chosen to conduct research at Rhodes. I have no doubt that my experience at a South African University will be enriching and rewarding, and I look forward to building strong relationship with the academics there.”

Hobart Houghton was at Rhodes University for 40 years and the major focus of his research was the problem of poverty and economic development in the Eastern Cape region. The Fellowship is intended to promote work which could contribute to the development of this region.

Dean of the Portsmouth Business School, Professor Gioia Pescetto, said: “I believe there is great benefit to be gained from academic staff having international exposure and experience. This is an excellent opportunity for Professor Collins and I am delighted he is following in the footsteps of some prominent economists from across the globe.”