Royal Economic Society Annual Conference 2026 comes to Newcastle

10 July 2026

Over 600 economists experienced a real Geordie welcome as the Royal Economic Society’s Annual Conference came to Newcastle University this week.

Over the three days, delegates presented research, networked and took part in lectures and masterclasses covering everything from environmental economics through to the economics of football regulation.

Taking place at venues across Newcastle’s 24-acre innovation district, Newcastle Helix, delegates heard from keynote speakers including Professor Patrick Kline, Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley and Professor Ekaterina Zhuravskaya, Professor of Economics at the Paris School of Economics.

On Monday 6 July, Dr Catherine Mann, Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee Member took part in a panel discussion which explored how economic data and research in the UK can be fit for the future and the practical steps needed to create a more trusted, accessible and connected data ecosystem. Other sessions covered the impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market, an overview of research into how the internet and social media have reshaped political equilibria, and the role of innovation and policy in boosting productivity and growth.

Leighton Chipperfield, Chief Executive of the Royal Economic Society, said:

“The Royal Economic Society’s Annual Conference is our flagship event, bringing together economists from across the world to exchange ideas, present new research and explore the economic challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow. The breadth of expertise and discussion over the past three days has once again shown the value of bringing the economics community together to learn from one another and forge new collaborations.

“We have been delighted to bring the conference to Newcastle and are immensely grateful to Newcastle University for being such outstanding hosts. Newcastle’s proud history of innovation, its world-leading research and its warm welcome have made it a fitting venue for this year’s conference. We leave with new ideas, new partnerships and many happy memories, and our sincere thanks to everyone at the University and across the city who has helped make the conference such a success.”

The event was hosted by the Economics Department at Newcastle University, bringing it to the city for the first time.

Ian Gregory-Smith, Reader in Economics at Newcastle University and Program Chair for the 2026 Conference said:

“Economics at Newcastle is an amazing research community spanning all the major disciplines in economics. It has been our privilege to welcome leading economists from all around the world to Newcastle. We have learnt much from each other and we hope that we will push together at the frontier of economics research over the years to come.”

Caroline Reed, Head of Strategic Events, NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said: “It was a delight to work together with our colleagues at Newcastle University and at the Royal Economic Society to bring their 2026 Annual Conference to the city, ensuring delegates got the best value from their accommodation and supporting with their social programme.

“Newcastle University’s academic strengths and exceptional venues continue to draw in incredible events and speakers such as that of the Royal Economic Society. We wish all delegates the best time in the North East.”

Looking to bring your event to North East England? Get in touch with NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau conventionbureau@experiencenee.co.uk

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