Dr. Ali (left) at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda May 13, 2009 with Professor James Mwanga of Makerere University.

Dr. Ali's current research is focused on "The Role of Institutions in Economic Growth and Development." This academic year he visited Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia and made presentations on Comparative Development. He also visited Warsaw, Poland and made a presentation on the effect of foreign aid on growth at the annual meeting of the International Atlantic Economic Society. He also visited different universities in Uganda including Makerere University, Busoga University, Kampala International University, and Ndeje University to present papers on "Globalization and International Trade," and "Why Good Institutions are a Pre-requisite for Economic Growth in Africa." He just returned in May from a trip to Sweden, Norway, and Finland as a consultant for the Department of Social Services in those countries.