GRADUATION TALK ▼

BUILD UP A GOOD NETWORK DURING THE PHD

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN-PAUL BANCHANI

▐  John-Paul Banchani tells us about what motivated him to research his dissertation topic, why it is important to build up a good network, and how he would like to shape his path after the dissertation.

   What motivated you to research your dissertation topic?

   JP.B. My research looks at why states delegate decision-making authority to independent agents in international institutions and how appropriate institutional mechanisms can be designed to make independent agents accountable. I focus on the decision-making process of the African Peer Review Mechanism. For me, I have always had an interest in understanding how international institutions operate in their areas of competences. Especially at a time when there is a surge in the creation of international organizations and an increasing tendency of states to delegate decision-making authority to bodies within these organizations. I therefore find it extremely interesting to understand why and how international institutions operate in various issue areas.

   How important is it to build up a good network during your PhD?

    JP.B. For me, it is important to build a good network within and across your research field during the PhD process. First, my network has tended to be a source of receiving useful feedback on some aspects of my draft papers. It was also highly useful in receiving and sharing information on relevant academic events in my area of research.

    How would you like to shape your path after finalizing your dissertation?

   JP.B. I would like to work in a research environment that is policy oriented. I believe that research has no purpose if it has no real-life implications for the problems of society. In this regard, I would want to be involved in policy oriented research in the next phase of my career to enable me to engage societal problems.

Image Credits: © Bamberg Graduate School of Social Sciences