Some interesting aspects of Ram’s current research includes the effect of income-growth on poverty and the effect of globalization on a country’s economic growth.  He is also studying the relationship between a country’s social capital and the “happiness” of its population as estimated from a large cross-country data set. In addition to his world renowned research, Ram also enjoys teaching. “The interaction with young minds is an intrinsically rewarding experience,” said Ram.  “Throughout the last 30 years, I have come in contact with dozens of students whose outstanding intellectual curiosity is hard to forget and constitutes a source of happiness and optimism even long after they have been gone.”