Prima Alam: I am currently 'troublemaking' at RDA Labs â a purpose-driven research collective co-creating accessible research that informs action. I have a bit of an allergy to conformity and taking titles too seriously. Creating some 'good' trouble feels like a way to shake things up â it's more authentic to my role professionally as well as IRL (in real life)!
Prima Alam: Health inequity in all its forms. There's no one-size-fits-all model for addressing this. Strengthening SouthâSouth partnerships and investing in community-led movements can create context-specific change. These efforts must be multisectoral and grounded in approaches that centre agency, dignity and local ownership rather than external prescriptions.
Prima Alam: Is it too much like 'wishing for infinite wishes' to say I'd use the unlimited funding to support unlimited community-led health initiatives everywhere?! The project would focus on redistributing power and resources, since top-down approaches rarely lead to structural change.
Prima Alam: I've had the privilege of collaborating with so many exceptional researchers in Bangladesh. The traits I admire most are curiosity and conscientiousness. Alongside tangible skills such as methodological and analytical training, it's just as important to stay open and keep engaging with diverse perspectives.
Prima Alam: Leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about creating spaces to pursue collective curiosity and embrace the messiness.
Prima Alam: A colleague once told me I should start a PhD as soon as possible or it would be 'too late'. While I appreciated the advice, I don't think there's ever a 'right' time â and it's certainly not a prerequisite for a fulfilling career in global health! It's a huge investment that may not be feasible for everyone. I was driven by my research interests and fortunate to secure funding, which made it all possible.
Prima Alam: There's so much opportunity for camaraderie â even in what can feel like a solitary journey.
Prima Alam: There's a lot to consider beyond the obvious skills of time management and analytical rigour. It's about knowing when to ask for help, when to give yourself a break, and building a support system you can draw energy from. Most of all, it's about remembering that your worth isn't tied to productivity. It's surprising how much you can accomplish once you let go of the constant pressure to accomplish.
Prima Alam: My introduction to health research began close to home as my maternal uncle is a health economist. As an inquisitive teenager, I was drawn to the community health projects he worked on and fascinated by how many people had to come together to make things happen. That sense of collaboration and shared purpose has stayed with me ever since.
Prima Alam: I've been getting into some non-fiction this year and have just started reading The Foreign Gaze: Essays on Global Health by ᚢẚĚyáşš AbĂmbáťĚlĂĄ. It's very compelling so far â will report back once I've finished the book!
Prima Alam: Be unapologetically yourself while leading with compassion.
Prima Alam: I would certainly be open to the possibility! Wherever I am, I'd like to continue supporting meaningful work in the region.
Interview conducted by Monaemul Islam Sizear
Prima Alam is a social researcher and activist with over 15 years of experience in global health and development. Specialising in gender and sexuality research, Prima is passionate about using creative and collaborative methodologies to address health inequalities among marginalised communities around the world.
Prima holds a PhD in Public Health and Policy and an MSc in Reproductive and Sexual Health Research from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK. Their doctoral research was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and explored young people's lived experiences of sexuality in Bangladesh.
Currently, Prima serves as Co-Founder and Director at RDA Labs, a purpose-driven research collective that co-creates accessible research to inform action. With a unique approach to leadership that embraces "good trouble" and challenges conventional norms, Prima continues to make significant contributions to global health research and activism.
