Clinical Trials in South Asia: Building a Knowledge Society

<strong>Centre for the Study of Social Systems School of Social Sciences </strong> Seminar Notice <strong>Prof. Roger Jeffery</strong> (South Asia, University of Edinburgh) a talk on <strong>Clinical Trials in South Asia: Building a Knowledge Society</strong> <strong>Date : February 26, 2015</strong> <strong>Abstract:</strong> Since 2005, several South Asian Governments have attempted to become the location for out-sourced clinical trials. Such trials are global assemblages, complex mediations involving sponsors of various kinds [governments, universities, pharmaceutical companies, charitable organisations] and the populations that eventually become the subjects of clinical trials. Transfers take place from the global North to South and vice versa: the mediations produce networks that are transnational. Social institutions lose their territorial base and are transformed into something else. In joining the international flow of research, actors based in South Asia attempt to capture the economic benefits of scientific innovation by creating research capacity, relevant training, skills and facilities or generate knowledge of health problems on site, update patient care systems, and improve overall research cultures. The promise of these partnerships is of internationally transferable knowledge and commodities which generate other benefits along the way – employment, career development, infrastructure and entrepreneurial possibilities. This presentation will use data from a recently concluded research project in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal to assess the effects of the challenges as well as opportunities that this form of globalisation presents. <strong>Bio-Data:</strong> Roger Jeffery is Professor of Sociology of South Asia at the University of Edinburgh. He has carried out research in north India since 1972. His recent research projects have investigated access to pharmaceuticals in Africa and South Asia, and issues of governance, collaboration and knowledge generation in bio-medical and public health trials in South Asia. He has published (with Craig Jeffrey and Patricia Jeffery), 2010, Education, Unemployment and Masculinities in India (Social Science Press); co-edited (with Craig Jeffrey and Jens Lerche), 2014, Development Failure and Identity Politics in Uttar Pradesh, (Sage); and co-edited (with Anthony Heath) 2010, Change and Diversity: Economics, Politics and Society in Contemporary India (OUP).