Professor of Economics, Irma Clots-Figueras answers our 6 questions from working and living in Kent to the recent challenges technology poses to Economics.
What gets an economist out of bed in the morning?
I think the fact that economics can be used to analyse and try to solve many of the Worlds’ problems, such as poverty, inequalities, migration, climate change, unemployment…
What makes you proud to work at your School?
I really enjoy working in a very collegial and diverse environment, with colleagues that care profoundly about teaching, but also about research, and are always trying to think of ways to improve both.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Kent?
When I thought about the possibility of working here, I liked the fact that there are many of us interested in Development Economics. In fact, we have just created a research centre, DeReCK, to bring together all of us, but also to organise activities with policy organisations, NGOs, and other researchers from all over the World. I am also very excited about the fact that we plan to involve students interested in development in our activities.
How has technology affected the course/ discipline recently?
Technology means that now economists can work with and have access to large amounts of data from many different countries, use satellite data, conduct online experiments, and this broadens the set of questions we can analyse.
What are the facilities like?
I think we have a very beautiful campus and the facilities at Kent are great. Seminar and PC rooms are very well equipped, and if we have a lovely new building where both staff and students can feel at home.
What would you say the best aspect about living in Kent is?
Canterbury is a lovely city that has a lot to offer in terms of music, culture, sports, and restaurants, but is also very close to London, and this has many advantages.