Starting in the Autumn term, Dr Dickson will join the IPR team in 10 West to lead an ambitious programme of research on public policy economics with a particular focus on widening participation in higher education.

In his new role Dr Dickson is expected to build on his strong track record of research into the economics of education, which includes five years’ experience in the University of Bath’s Department of Social and Policy Sciences – first as a Prize Fellow and then as a Lecturer. He has also held research positions at University College Dublin (UCD) and the University of Bristol, and is a Research Fellow of the Institute of Labour Economics (IZA), Bonn.

As well as leading on quantitative research into participation in higher education, Dr Dickson will also contribute to related IPR research on public policy, and undertake management responsibilities within the IPR. His teaching roles will include supporting students at the postgraduate level, and supervising postgraduate research students.

Dr Dickson said: “I’m really pleased to take up this exciting new position at the IPR, in particular leading a research programme that will inform an important area of public policy. The research will help us to better understand how to ensure our HE sector attracts the widest possible range of talent and that all students are able to fully exploit the opportunities at university and go on to make the most of their abilities post-HE. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the IPR.”