Ram's key areas of research interest are: Natural resource economics; Environmental economics; Application of economic valuation techniques (hedonic pricing); Forest policy and management; Urban and community forestry;Ecosystem services; Ecotourism and protected area management; and Biodiversity conservation.

Most recently Ram was part of the IPBES Expert Group Member of Values and Valuation group; Lead author on the Asia Pacific regional assessment; and Coordinating Lead Author on Land Degradation and Restoration.