School of Economics and Finance

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Research

The School of Economics and Finance houses a diverse group of active researchers, who explore a range of topical, policy-relevant, and socially important questions using innovative methods of analysis.

The division is distinguished by its strong focus on health economics, the economics of gender, heterodox approaches to the economy, the economics of the environment, international finance, and firm behaviour.

Research Areas

Macro Financial Analysis

The Macro-Financial Analysis Research Group consists of experienced and emerging researchers. The research team, with its diverse focus areas, has made significant contributions to the understanding of the interlinkages between the macroeconomy and financial markets.

Our main areas of focus include Financial Economics, Risk and Insurance, Financial Stability, Forecasting, Exchange Rates, Commodities, International Finance, Macroprudential Policies, Business Cycles, Monetary Economics, and Fiscal Policy.

Environment and Energy Economics

The Environment and Energy Economics research theme has strong links with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Research in these areas adopts an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions existing among the economy, environment, and society to provide evidence-based research to inform public and private policies on the effects of the environment and natural resources on economies and societies.

Institutions and Political Economy Group

The Institutions and Political Economy Group is a research programme in the that promotes the study of relationships among institutions, organisations, and markets through the simple principles of economic reasoning. We apply the insights generated by institutional, organisational, political, and public economics to issues about economic performance through time.

Human Development and Wellbeing

SEF’s research in Human Development and Wellbeing is especially distinguished by its focus on gender dynamics. Scholars investigate gender disparities in employment, earnings, wealth, poverty, health, and wellbeing - with a strong emphasis on post-COVID shifts. 

This research extends to household and family structures, analysing how resources, care, and well-being are distributed within homes, as well as trends in household composition, maternal and child nutrition, and early childhood development.

Financial technology (Fintech)

Our research explores how digital tools and innovation are reshaping finance, especially in emerging markets. The focus is on FinTech, financial inclusion, and behavioural finance, with strong ties to policy, industry, and academic partners.

Research also addresses the real-world impact of technological change in financial systems, from digital payments to algorithmic trading, generating insights that help build more inclusive and efficient economies.

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