One of the biggest international economics events comes to Bath this week as the University hosts the 33rd Annual Conference of the European Society for Population Economics (ESPE).

The three-day event, which includes speakers from around the world, focuses on the economics underpinning all aspects of life – from childhood and education, work and the labour market right through to retirement and pensions.

Specialist sessions at this year’s event will focus on more diverse issues where economics is being applied, including wellbeing, marriage and family as well as immigration policies and refugees.

The Conference, which has been organised by colleagues in the Department of Economics and IPR, is also an opportunity for Bath researchers to showcase some of their work focused on social mobility and Higher Education policy as well as separate economics projects focusing on health and nutrition.

Professor Shelly Lundberg, ESPE President and Leonard Broom Professor of Demography & Economics at the University of California said: “We’re delighted to bring the European Society for Population Economics Annual Conference to the historic City of Bath. This is a highly significant event in the calendar for economists around the world and one which, across a whole host of themes, we showcase how applied economics can have significant impacts across society.

“This year’s event features a record number of papers, including many from PhD students and junior researchers addressing questions of human capital formation, gender and family, work and unemployment, migration, health and wellbeing and inequality. My thanks to the organising committee from the University of Bath’s Department of Economics and Institute for Policy Research.”

Professor Shelly Lundberg from the University of California will deliver one of the main keynote addresses, focusing on aspirations and the education gender gap.

Dr Peter Postl, Head of the Department of Economics at the University, added: “It is a real coup to be hosting the Annual Conference for the European Society for Population Economics here in Bath.

“This prestigious event, all about demonstrating how economics can be applied to different walks of life and across different disciplines, is also a fantastic opportunity for members of the University to meet outstanding researchers from around the world and to showcase to an international audience the impact of our own research.”

The organising committee from the University include: Dr Jonathan James, Dr Eleanora Fichera, Dr Kerry Papps, Dr Matt Dickson, Dr Joanna Clifton-Sprigg, and Dr Maria Cubel.