More than 600 economists from around the world gathered at Newcastle University this week for the Royal Economic Society (RES) Annual Conference 2026, one of the UK’s leading academic events for economics research and policy discussions. Held across Newcastle University’s innovation district, Newcastle Helix, the three-day conference featured keynote lectures, research presentations, networking opportunities, and expert-led discussions on the world’s most pressing economic challenges.
Newcastle University Hosts RES Annual Conference for the First Time
The Royal Economic Society Annual Conference 2026 marked the first time the prestigious event was hosted by Newcastle University’s Economics Department. Throughout the conference, delegates exchanged ideas, presented cutting-edge research, and explored topics ranging from environmental economics and labour markets to football regulation, artificial intelligence, productivity, and public policy.
The event showcased Newcastle University’s growing reputation as a centre for world-class economic research while providing an international platform for academic collaboration and innovation.
Global Experts Share Insights on Emerging Economic Challenges
The conference welcomed distinguished keynote speakers, including Professor Patrick Kline, Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley, and Professor Ekaterina Zhuravskaya, Professor of Economics at the Paris School of Economics.
Delegates also participated in panel discussions and masterclasses examining the future of economic research, technological innovation, and evidence-based policymaking.
One of the conference highlights featured Dr Catherine Mann, a member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, who joined a panel discussion on strengthening the UK’s economic data ecosystem. The session explored practical strategies for creating a more trusted, accessible, and connected data infrastructure to support future policy decisions.
Additional sessions examined the growing impact of artificial intelligence on labour markets, the influence of the internet and social media on political systems, and the role of innovation in driving long-term economic productivity and growth.
Royal Economic Society Highlights Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Speaking about the event, Leighton Chipperfield, Chief Executive of the Royal Economic Society, described the annual conference as the Society’s flagship event, bringing together economists from across the globe to exchange ideas, present new research, and address today’s economic opportunities and challenges.
He praised Newcastle University for its outstanding hospitality, noting that the city’s strong tradition of innovation, internationally recognised research, and welcoming atmosphere made it an ideal venue for the 2026 conference. Chipperfield added that delegates would leave with valuable new partnerships, fresh ideas, and lasting professional connections.
Newcastle University Showcases World-Class Economics Research
Ian Gregory-Smith, Reader in Economics at Newcastle University and Programme Chair for the 2026 conference, highlighted the strength of the university’s economics research community, which spans all major disciplines within the field.
He said it was a privilege to welcome leading economists from around the world to Newcastle, adding that the conference created opportunities for meaningful collaboration that will continue to shape the future of economics research.
NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau Supports International Conference
The NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau worked closely with Newcastle University and the Royal Economic Society to deliver the successful international event. The bureau supported accommodation planning and delegate social programmes, helping ensure visitors enjoyed both the conference and the wider North East region.
Caroline Reed, Head of Strategic Events at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said Newcastle University’s academic excellence and high-quality venues continue to attract globally recognised conferences and distinguished speakers, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a leading destination for business events.
Newcastle Strengthens Its Position as a Leading Conference Destination
The successful hosting of the Royal Economic Society Annual Conference 2026 reinforces Newcastle’s growing status as a destination for international academic and business events. By bringing together over 600 economists, researchers, policymakers, and academics, the conference highlighted the city’s ability to support world-class knowledge exchange while showcasing the strength of Newcastle University’s research community.
The event concluded with new collaborations, valuable research discussions, and strengthened international partnerships, further cementing Newcastle’s role in advancing global economic research and innovation.
