Representation in Economics

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Representation in the economics profession is widely documented. There continues to be a persistent underrepresentation of women (and underrepresented groups), particularly in senior academic, leadership and decision-making positions, despite gradual improvements in participation at earlier stages of the economics pipeline.

The Hub intends to serve as an agenda-setting platform for the representation of women (and minorities) in the field of economics around the world. By promoting and supporting access to leadership positions for women in the economics profession, alongside initiatives that seek to feed the pipeline, the Hub is committed to increasing representation and amplifying the future voices of gender research.

Furthermore, if we want research on gender equality to become mainstream in economics - and for this work to shape and inform policies around the world - we need to build the pipeline of those who are interested in these topics and support the prevention of leakages to catalyse greater leadership.

As such, we have adopted a multi-pronged approach to drive commitment to action by identifying, funding, and advising the most impactful initiatives to catalyse interventions across the economics pipeline - from education and research through to leadership. Our actions seek to help create the conditions in which women and underrepresented groups can thrive and shape the future of the discipline.

Our initiatives and actions

Women in Leadership: Accelerating Development Outcomes Conference

A two-day international conference examining what enables women to attain leadership positions and what impact women's leadership has on societies, institutions and economies.

H.E.R. Visiting Fellows Programme

The programme brings scholars from around the world to LSE, providing a supportive research environment in which to develop research, build collaborations and strengthen academic networks.

Career Structure in Economics in Collaboration with the European Economics Association (EEA)

A joint initiative between the Hub and the European Economic Association that supported research into how academic career structures affect the recruitment and retention of talent, particularly among women and other underrepresented groups.

Supporting EEA's Women in Economics Networking Retreat

The Hub supports the EEA's annual Women in Economics Networking Retreat, helping to connect researchers and create opportunities for female scholars, including those from low- and middle-income countries.

Minorities in Economics (MiNE) Best Paper award in collaboration with EEA

Established in 2022 by the Hub and the European Economic Association, the award recognises outstanding research on underrepresented groups and helps raise the visibility of these topics within economics.

H.E.R. Grants Programme

The Hub's grants programme supported LSE faculty and PhD students conducting research on gender and the experiences of underrepresented groups in economics and related fields.

Collaboration with the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) on Next Generation Economics competition

Delivered in collaboration with the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, this annual competition encourages school students to explore major economic challenges and consider future careers in economics.

Collaboration with the Royal Economic Society's Discover Economics Campaign

Working with the Royal Economic Society, the Hub supports efforts to broaden participation in economics and encourage more young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue the subject.