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Two Economics graduates named as finalists for IAES 'Best Undergraduate Paper' Competition

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Two Economics graduates named as finalists for IAES 'Best Undergraduate Paper' Competition

Paul Noller and Mary Polyakova have been selected as two of the four finalists for this year's International Atlantic Economic Society’s 14th annual Best Undergraduate Paper Competition (IAES)

Both students graduated this summer with Paul achieving an Upper Second Class (BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics) degree and Mary, a First Class (BSc Economics, Politics and International Studies) degree will presented their work at the 86th International Atlantic Economic Society Conference in New York City, on Saturday, 13 October 2018.

The papers being presented are:

  • Paul Noller, Evaluating the Credibility of the European Bank Bail-in Commitment, University of Warwick, UK 
  • Mary Polyakova, Child Marriage and Female Educational Attainment: an Investigation into a Complex Relationship, Using Nigerian Data, University of Warwick, UK 

The other two papers being presented are:

  • Donato Onorato, Robots, Unions, and Aging: Determinants of Robot Adoption Evidence from OECD Countries, University of Pennsylvania, USA
  • August Rim, The Effect of Immigration on Native German Unemployment, Queens College, USA

The winner of the competition will receive a $500 cheque and will have his or her paper printed in an upcoming issue of the Atlantic Economic Journal. The other three finalists will each receive $100 and be invited to have an 800 word abstract of their papers published in the Atlantic Economic Journal. Additionally, each student will receive a handsome commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Mary had this to say about her nomination:

"Being selected as a finalist for the IAES Undergraduate Paper Competition is an incredible opportunity to share my research with various professionals in the field, and receive feedback from them. I view it primarily as a huge learning opportunity. I am incredibly thankful to the Department of Economics for the guidance provided during the writing of my dissertation and the encouragement to apply for this competition"

Commenting on the students reaching the final stage, Module Leader of Research in Applied Economics (RAE), Professor Gianna Boero, said:

"For two Warwick students studying Economics to be selected amongst the four finalists in this highly regarded worldwide competition is a tremendous achievement for them, for the Department and for the University, and continues a remarkable tradition with seven finalists in the last 4 years.

In all of these cases, including Mary Polyakova and Paul Noller, the successful submissions have comprised the students’ RAE dissertation and hence further underlines the uniqueness and value of the Department’s flagship final year undergraduate research module RAE. I am delighted for the students and hope they find the whole experience rewarding both intellectually and personally. I wish them all the very best for the final stage of this international competition."

Past finalists and winners of the IAES event

This is not the first time Economics graduates have been selected for this award.

Last year, the department saw graduates Gytautas Karklius and Yin Li Toh present their papers at the final stage of the IAES competition.

In 2016, Adam Brzezinski won first place for the 'Best Undergraduate Paper' at the Atlantic Economic Society Conference. His paper was the product of his third year Research in Applied Economics (RAE) project, entitled 'Synergies in Labour Market Institutions - the nonlinear effect of minimum wages on youth employment'.

In 2015, Hameem Raees Chowdury, and Virginia Minni present their papers at the final stage of the IAES competition, with Hameem going on to win first place. His winning paper entitled “Joint-Liability in Microcredit: Evidence from Bangladesh”, was included in the Atlantic Economic Journal.