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Research group

Economic Theory and Experimental Economics

Economic theory provides a framework for understanding how people make decisions about allocating resources. We test and refine these theories in controlled experiments to better understand economic behaviour and inform policy makers to improve the well-being of society.

Part of Economics

About

The research group is comprised of experts specialising in both theoretical and experimental economics. Their comprehensive research covers an extensive array of fields such as decision theory, political and institutional economics, industrial organisation, environmental economics, financial markets, negotiation strategies, and operations research. The team members are dedicated to addressing pressing societal questions, including the following:

  1. How do individuals form networks, and in what ways do these networks shape opinions, beliefs, actions, or cultural attributes?
  2. Which factors contribute to misallocation and talent distribution in educational markets, and what role do colleges play in social mobility?
  3. How does the use of ambiguous language affect information transmission?
  4. What are the implications of affirmative action policies on society?
  5. How do skewed perceptions of decision environments impact individual welfare and financial choices?

Moreover, the group's work delves into the realm of political economy, exploring subjects such as policy implementability, behavioural voting models, public opinion dynamics, and public health issues.

The societal implications of the group's research are substantial, as it illuminates key facets of human behaviour and decision-making across various economic settings. Their findings have informed policymaking and enhanced the operation of markets and other allocation mechanisms, ultimately fostering a more equitable and sustainable society.

News and events

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People, projects, publications and PhDs

People

Dr Antonella Ianni PhD

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: a.ianni@soton.ac.uk

Address: B58, West Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Christian Kellner

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • My research seeks to understand how people decide in situations of uncertainty. In particular, I am interested in understanding the implications of ambiguity in economic contexts such as contract design, auctions or communication. 
  • Further information about my research can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/kellnerchristian

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: c.kellner@soton.ac.uk

Address: B58, West Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Foivos Savva

Lecturer in Economics

Research interests

  • Microeconomic Theory
  • Social Choice
  • Welfare Economics

Accepting applications from PhD students

Dr Gerhard Riener PhD

Professor of Economics

Research interests

  • Decision making
  • Gender and public policy
  • Education

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: g.riener@soton.ac.uk

Address: B58, West Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Jian Tong

Lecturer

Research interests

  • Industrial Organisation
  • Economic Growth
  • Information Economics

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: j.tong@soton.ac.uk

Address: B58, West Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Joao V. Ferreira PhD

Lecturer in Economics

Research interests

  • Behavioural and experimental economics
  • Individual and social choice
  • Political economy

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: j.ferreira@soton.ac.uk

Address: B58, West Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Kemal Ozbek PhD

Associate Professor in Microeconomics

Research interests

  • Decision Theory
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Mechanism Design

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: k.ozbek@soton.ac.uk

Address: B58, West Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Max Kwiek

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Applied microeconomic theory
  • Political Economy
  • Committee Design

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: m.kwiek@soton.ac.uk

Address: B58, West Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Professor Michael Vlassopoulos

Professor of Economics

Research interests

  • Applied MicroeconomicsLabour EconomicsDevelopment Economics

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: m.vlassopoulos@soton.ac.uk

Address: B58, West Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Mingye Ma

Lecturer

Research interests

  • behavioural and experimental economics
  • social learning and imitation
  • motivated beliefs

Accepting applications from PhD students

We apply experimental and theoretical wisdom in microeconomics to inform policy: nurturing a more liveable future for everybody through evidence-based insights.
Professor of Economics

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