Warwick Economics PhD Conference brings together early-career researchers from across the world

Warwick Economics PhD Conference brings together early-career researchers from across the world

The Department of Economics hosted the 14th Warwick Economics PhD Conference from 25–27 May 2026 at Warwick Conference Centre. The annual event brought together PhD researchers from leading institutions across Europe and North America for three days of presentations, discussion, and networking.

The conference (funded by CAGE Research Centre and the University of Warwick’s Department of Economics) opened with a keynote lecture by Professor Debraj Ray of NYU and Warwick, followed by a full programme of research presentations across development economics, econometrics, economic history, behavioural economics, economic theory, labour economics, macroeconomics, monetary economics, spatial economics, and international economics.

Throughout the three days, PhD researchers presented work on a wide range of topics, including agricultural development aid, public banks and electoral campaigns, creative labour, short-video consumption and self-control, principal-agent games, layoffs and innovation spillovers, inflation cognition, trade policy, migration, and urban air quality. Each presentation was paired with a discussant, creating a focused format for detailed feedback and academic exchange.

The conference also included a poster session, giving Warwick and visiting PhD students the opportunity to present ongoing research in a more informal setting. Poster topics included job matching, capital accumulation, gendered use of public spaces, consumption behaviour, YouTube attention, and informal elderly care.

A closing keynote was delivered by Dr Mateusz Stalinski of Warwick, bringing the academic programme to a close before a final lunch at Scarman.

Beyond the formal sessions, the conference created space for participants to meet and exchange ideas over lunches, coffee breaks, dinners, and a drinks reception. Participants highlighted the quality of the papers, the supportive atmosphere, and the opportunity to connect with PhD students working across different fields of economics.

Feedback from participants was very positive. Patricio Goldstein of Columbia University described the conference as having “fantastic presentations” and a “very well organized, relaxed environment.” Gustav Alexandrie of the University of Zurich praised the “excellent selection of speakers” and a “nice venue,” while Luca Lorenzini of UCLA described it as “a nice opportunity to receive feedback while having a good time.”

Several participants also noted the value of the conference as a space for building academic connections. Soo Yeon Kim of the University of California, Merced wrote that "the conference provided many opportunities to easily talk with others and build connections,” while Aurélie Gillen of the University of Luxembourg described it as “a valuable opportunity to network and engage with PhDs across different fields.”

Reflecting on the overall experience, Giacomo Opocher of the University of Bologna commented: “You guys made it really smooth. I would rank it as the best PhD conference in Europe.”

Head of Department, Professor Jeremy Smith said:

"The Warwick Economics PhD Conference once again highlighted the strength and diversity of doctoral research, with excellent presentations and highly constructive discussion throughout. I would like to thank the organising committee and all participants for contributing to such an intellectually engaging and collegial event."

The organising committee (David Boll, Michael Challis, Desmond Fairall, Malavika Mani, and Charlotte van Herwijnen) would like to thank all presenters, discussants, poster presenters, keynote speakers, attendees, and Department staff who contributed to the success of the event.

With thanks to the organising committee for sending the submission.