Rory Horner

Rory Horner is a Senior Lecturer in Globalisation and Political Economy at the Global Development Institute (GDI), University of Manchester. He joined GDI in 2013 after completing his PhD in Geography at Clark University. His roles include Research Director (2020–2023) and leadership in academic programs such as the MSc International Development. He has held external roles including Co-Convenor of Network O (Global Value Chains) under SASE (2019–2023) and Co-chair of the Development Studies Association Annual Conference (2018).

Horner’s education includes a B.A. in Economics and Geography (Trinity College Dublin), M.A. and PhD in Geography (Clark University). His research focuses on three core themes: the political economy of pharmaceuticals in global development, global value chains (GVCs) and South-South trade dynamics, and the conceptual shift to global development paradigms. His work spans fieldwork in Africa, India, and beyond, emphasizing implications for public health, industrial policy, and equitable globalisation.

His publications address topics like India’s role as a generic medicine supplier, pharmaceutical value chains in sub-Saharan Africa, and the evolving geographies of global production networks. He has secured funding from UK ESRC, British Academy, and US NSF, and his media engagements include contributions to BBC News, El País, and NPR.

• Awards:
  • Area Prize for new research in geography (2014)
  • Economic Geography Specialty Group Best Student Paper Award (2009)
  • Regional Development and Planning Specialty Group A.K. Dutt Best Graduate Student Paper Award (2013)
• Advising/Grants: Supervised 4 PhD students focusing on vaccine manufacturing, EV value chains, and textile trade. Led projects on India’s pharmaceutical production networks in Africa and South-South trade implications.
• Platforms: Convened research groups on Global Production Networks and taught courses including Globalisation, Trade and Development (MGDI 60271).