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3. Jahan Mashrat（ジャーハン マシュアート）

学生インタビュー

Reason for pursuing the doctoral program

My decision to pursue a PhD stem from my strong desire to apply economic principles—such as optimal taxation and behavioral incentives—to real-world policy issues, particularly the reallocation of revenue collected from carbon tax and its effectiveness. I am deeply interested in how economics can be used as a tool to address pressing societal challenges by finding the optimal balance between economic efficiency and social welfare.

I chose a Japanese university for conducting my PhD research because it has advanced research infrastructure, expertise in carbon pricing and energy taxation, and strong focus on policy-relevant research. Japan's experience provides valuable insights for my study on revenue reallocation from carbon tax. Additionally, Japan's support for Bangladesh's energy sector highlights the need for institutional and regulatory innovation, which I aim to address in my research. Before joining Sophia University, I contacted a professor from the Graduate School of Economics whose perspective on economics strongly resonated with me. He emphasized that many of the world's most urgent issues—climate change, poverty, biodiversity loss, pandemics, and natural disasters—originate from collective human behavior. Economics provides a framework for understanding these behaviors and devising mechanisms that incentivize individuals and organizations to adopt socially optimal actions. His insights reinforced my belief that economic policies, such as carbon taxation, must be designed not only to curb environmental harm but also to ensure fairness and effectiveness through proper revenue reallocation.

Research objective

Through my research, I aim to provide critical insights into how Bangladesh can design an effective and fair carbon tax system that minimizes economic disruptions while maintaining industrial competitiveness and household affordability. By integrating SAM-based sectoral analysis with household-level economic modeling, my findings will offer policy recommendations to help implement a sustainable, efficient, and equitable carbon pricing strategy for Bangladesh.

The attractiveness of SPRING

The Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation (SPRING) program has provided me with invaluable opportunities to pursue my PhD research in a financially secure and intellectually stimulating environment. By addressing the key challenges faced by doctoral students' financial constraints and career uncertainties, SPRING has enabled me to fully focus on conducting rigorous, interdisciplinary research without the burden of financial concerns.

One of the most attractive aspects of SPRING is its commitment to challenging and interdisciplinary research. My work on carbon pricing and revenue reallocation in Bangladesh requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining environmental economics, policy analysis, and computational modeling. The program's emphasis on going beyond conventional academic boundaries has encouraged me to explore innovative methodologies and engage in meaningful discussions with researchers from diverse fields. Additionally, SPRING has facilitated career development and skill enhancement through structured training in international collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and transferable skills. These resources are equipping me with the knowledge and adaptability needed to contribute to both academia and policymaking in Bangladesh. The support for research and living expenses has also allowed me to participate in academic conferences, expand my professional network, and gain valuable exposure to global sustainability challenges.

Overall, SPRING has empowered me to conduct high-impact research that addresses real-world issues, while also preparing me for future leadership roles in academia, policy, and beyond. The program's holistic approach ensures that PhD students are not only supported financially but are also given the tools and flexibility to drive meaningful scientific and societal advancements.

Future career prospects

During my two years of study, I have gained expertise in industrial structure analysis, price modeling, and economic impact assessment. Additionally, SPRING has provided me with a multidisciplinary perspective on sustainability, strengthening my ability to integrate economic, environmental, and policy considerations. These experiences will help me in my future career by equipping me with the analytical skills and policy insights needed to design effective economic and environmental policies in Bangladesh. After completing my PhD at Sophia University, I have a plan to return to Bangladesh and resume my role as a faculty member at Gazipur Agricultural University. My goal is to apply the knowledge and experience gained during my doctoral studies to enhance economic research and policymaking in Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and environmental economics.

Bangladesh faces the dual challenge of achieving rapid economic growth while addressing pressing environmental concerns, including climate change. With my background in economics and policy analysis, I aim to contribute to the design of institutional and regulatory frameworks that facilitate a sustainable economy. Japan's financial and technological support has played a significant role in Bangladesh's energy and infrastructure development, but the country has struggled with regulatory adaptation. I want to bridge this gap by advocating for policies that align with economic principles, minimizing social costs and conflicts among stakeholders.

Beyond academia, I aspire to collaborate with policymakers, government agencies, and international organizations to implement effective economic policies. My long-term vision is to contribute to Bangladesh's economic transformation by promoting evidence-based decision-making and fostering innovation in regulatory frameworks. Through continued research and policy engagement, I hope to play a role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient economy for Bangladesh.

For those interested in SPRING project

As a SPRING student, I can confidently say that this program provides an exceptional opportunity for PhD students to pursue challenging, interdisciplinary research in a financially stable and intellectually enriching environment. SPRING is more than just funding—it offers career development, skill enhancement, and networking opportunities that help students grow as researchers and future leaders.

If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of knowledge and contributing to real-world solutions, SPRING will empower you with the resources and flexibility needed to make a lasting impact. This program encourages innovative thinking, international collaboration, and the pursuit of groundbreaking research.

I highly encourage prospective PhD students to apply, embrace the challenges, and take full advantage of the support SPRING offers. It is a unique opportunity to focus on your research, develop critical skills, and prepare for a successful career in academia, industry, or policymaking.