The University of the Western Cape (UWC) Economics Department hosted the National Economics PhD Student Conference on 21-22 May. The event, which brought together approximately 20 current PhD economics students and 15 discussants, provided a platform for them to present their latest dissertation research findings and receive constructive feedback from senior academics.
The conference, organised by the Economic Society of South Africa (ESSA) and sponsored by Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA), focused exclusively on PhD students, making it a unique gathering within the academic community. Unlike larger conferences with central themes, this event allowed participants to delve into diverse research topics, reflecting the breadth of economic inquiry
.
Unlike traditional conferences, there were no keynote speakers. Instead, the spotlight was on the PhD students themselves as each participant had the opportunity to present their research, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions.
ESSA President Professor Daniela Casale, and the Chairperson of the UWC Economics Department, Professor Derek Yu, delivered the welcoming speeches.
The conference featured a single main session where all presenters, approximately 20, shared their work. This format encouraged active participation from both discussants and attendees.
Three presenters from UWC were Mr Jaydro Fondling, Ms Shinice Jackson and Mr Kukhanyile Mali.
Senior economics academics from nearly 10 universities provided valuable feedback, helping students refine their research and explore new avenues.
To foster connections, the conference included a cocktail party on the evening of May 20, followed by a conference dinner on May 21. These social events allowed participants to network, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships.
Prof Yu was recently elected as a member of the Economic Society of South Africa (ESSA) council. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to organise and host this conference.
He said he learnt a lot from doing so, and he hoped in the near future that the UWC Economics Department would host the ESSA main conference.
The conference, organised by the Economic Society of South Africa (ESSA) and sponsored by Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA), focused exclusively on PhD students, making it a unique gathering within the academic community. Unlike larger conferences with central themes, this event allowed participants to delve into diverse research topics, reflecting the breadth of economic inquiry
.
Unlike traditional conferences, there were no keynote speakers. Instead, the spotlight was on the PhD students themselves as each participant had the opportunity to present their research, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions.
ESSA President Professor Daniela Casale, and the Chairperson of the UWC Economics Department, Professor Derek Yu, delivered the welcoming speeches.
The conference featured a single main session where all presenters, approximately 20, shared their work. This format encouraged active participation from both discussants and attendees.
Three presenters from UWC were Mr Jaydro Fondling, Ms Shinice Jackson and Mr Kukhanyile Mali.
Senior economics academics from nearly 10 universities provided valuable feedback, helping students refine their research and explore new avenues.
To foster connections, the conference included a cocktail party on the evening of May 20, followed by a conference dinner on May 21. These social events allowed participants to network, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships.
Prof Yu was recently elected as a member of the Economic Society of South Africa (ESSA) council. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to organise and host this conference.
He said he learnt a lot from doing so, and he hoped in the near future that the UWC Economics Department would host the ESSA main conference.
