About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level economics students
Join us this autumn for a dynamic, thought-provoking day at Economics in Action! Through engaging discussions, interactive sessions, and real-world case studies, students will uncover the forces shaping our world—from microeconomics to global markets.
Our inspiring speakers—including industry leaders, top academics, and policymakers—will share cutting-edge insights and real-world experiences, bringing economics to life like never before.
A special exam success session will equip students with expert strategies to boost confidence and performance. With live polls, quizzes, and plenty of chances to engage with speakers, this is far more than just a lecture—it’s an experience!
Host: Matthew Pritchard (Science Communicator) Exam Session: Peter Cramp (The Economics Factory)
“A great day with a lot of interesting ideas for our economic students!”
– Wellingborough School –
More speakers and sessions for this exciting event will be announced soon!
Programme & speakers
Climate meets Capital: a New Era of Index Investing Elena Vydrine, Senior Investment Specialist – Public Markets
Climate science tells us that we must reach net zero for warming to stop. So net zero is an essential destination, and the sooner we get there, the lesser the warming and the lesser the impacts. From an investor perspective, we know that climate risk is financial risk and therefore managing that risk (and opportunities) is simply a common-sense approach. Join Elena as she explores how markets, money and the climate intersect, and how investors are supported in incorporating risk management into their decision-making processes.
About Elena Vydrine
Elena holds a MSc in Investment Management from Bayes Business School and an MSt in Sustainability Leadership from Cambridge University. She leads the development and application of the Net Zero & Climate Resilience Investment Frameworks and other thought leadership on emerging thematics, providing deep investment expertise, and addressing technical issues to advance guidance on specific topics relevant to implementation efforts of members’ net zero commitments.
How to be a successful economist Vicky Pryce, Chief Economic Adviser, Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR)
Join Vicky for a dynamic session based on Exploring Career Opportunities in Economics. Learn what employers really want, discover the essential skills for success, and explore career paths in industries like finance, government, and consultancy. Vicky will share practical tips to boost your employability and guide you through building the toolkit every economist needs to thrive.
About Professor Vicky Pryce
Vicky Pryce is Chief Economic Adviser and board member at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) and a Visiting Professor at King’s College, London. Formerly Joint Head of the UK Government Economic Service. Her recent books include How to be a Successful Economist, Women vs Capitalism and Mismanaged Decline.
The Economics of Innovation and Big Business Stephen Davies, Institute of Economics Affairs
Most economists now believe that innovation is the driving force behind modern intensive growth, because it raises Total Factor Productivity (TFP). But where does it come from? Popular beliefs and common readings of Schumpeter put it down to individual entrepreneurs. Evidence shows that while they matter the whole process is more dispersed and that a crucial part is played by large, structured organisations, above all the modern business firm.
About Dr Stephen Davies
Dr Steve Davies is the Head of Education at the IEA. Previously he was program officer at the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) at George Mason University in Virginia.
How well-behaved are your decisions? Rebecca McDonald, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Birmingham
Why do we make decisions we later regret, procrastinate, or help others without reward? This talk explores how behavioural economics uses psychology and experiments to challenge traditional models of rational decision-making. Join us for an interactive session that introduces key insights from this exciting area of economics and take part in some economic experiments to find out if our minds are as well-behaved as we like to think!
About Dr Rebecca McDonald
Rebecca is an experimental economist exploring the psychology of choice and value. She investigates how risk, timing, and our group identity influence the decisions we make, uncovering the surprising ways we seek out or avoid information.
Unpacking the Economy Trevor Williams, Economist, visiting Professor and Lecturer
In this lively and accessible talk, Trevor will explore the current global economic outlook with a special focus on the UK following the recent Autumn Budget. Expect an engaging analysis of the impact of tariffs and a clear breakdown of complex ideas into real-world insights. From the tools governments use to the challenges and opportunities shaping our future, this session will leave you with plenty to think about.
About Dr Trevor Williams
Trevor is an economist, author, and consultant, previously Chief Economist at Lloyds Bank Commercial. He advises on macroeconomic trends, risk management, and strategy, and chairs the Institute of Economic Affairs’ Shadow Monetary Policy Committee. He is co-founder of FXGuard, writes on financial markets, is the author of Trading Economics, and serves as a Visiting Professor at the University of Derby.