The Department of Economics is home to a vibrant research community.
Our research is guided by a commitment to advancing knowledge and tackling real-world economic challenges.
Research groups
Our researchers are organised into five specialised research groups.
Macro, Money and Finance Research Group
Our research is focused on the analysis of economic aggregates, including employment, inflation, economic growth, and the role of money, as well as financial markets and banking.
We use both state-of-the-art theoretical models, which emphasise rigorous analysis, and empirical approaches, which seek to analyse data using novel and imaginative techniques to deliver insights that inform debates around current policy issues.
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Microeconomic Theory Research Group
We bring together experts in economic theory, focusing on the fundamental principles that shape decision-making, strategic interactions, and market structures.
Our research covers key areas such as exploring incentives and information asymmetry in economic relationships, auction and contest theory, game theory, and analysing strategic behaviour in competitive and cooperative settings.
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Applied Economics: Labour, Education and Health Research Group
We are committed to addressing critical policy challenges in labour markets, education, crime, and public health.
By combining survey and administrative data, our research uses robust quasi-experimental and experimental methods to assess the impact of policy interventions. Our work aims to uncover causal relationships that provide deeper insights into the effects of policy changes, offering evidence to guide the development and refinement of policies addressing key socio-economic issues.
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Public and Political Economy Research Group
We explore the role of public, political, market, and social institutions in shaping economic welfare and policy outcomes.
A core focus for us is the evolution, design, and effectiveness of institutions, decision-making processes, and regulations, assessing their impact on governance, economic stability, and social equity. Our research also addresses contemporary political and societal challenges, including voters’ perceptions of economic decline, populism, polarisation, misinformation, and the media’s role in science communication.
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Sustainable Development Research Group
Our research examines how societies can adopt more sustainable lifestyles that mitigate environmental harm, poverty, and social inequality.
We explore topics such as pollution, climate change, energy transition, corruption, human capital, inequality, and underdevelopment. Employing theoretical and empirical methodologies, our research provides innovative research findings and practical solutions relevant to both academic and non-academic audiences. Their work supports global efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting environmentally and socially responsible behaviours across society.
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Research clusters
In addition to our research groups, the Department's broader research interests are organised into research clusters, each dedicated to key and evolving areas of economic research.
- Banking & Finance: Exploring financial markets and the banking systems
- Economics of Digitalisation and Innovation: Investigating the economic implications of digital transformation, technological advancements, and innovation
- Experimental Economics: Using controlled experiments to study decision-making, market behaviour, and economic interactions