Research

Economics research at UC Santa Cruz spans a wide array of topics, emphasizing both theoretical and empirical analysis, and is deeply connected to the real-world challenges of economic policy, development, inequality, and sustainability. The Economics Department is known for its commitment to producing research that is both academically rigorous and socially relevant, aiming to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing communities, economies, and the planet.

Our researchers are not only advancing economic knowledge but also engaging in collaborative projects that have real-world impact, often working with policymakers, NGOs, and international organizations. The department fosters a dynamic environment where students and faculty engage in a dialogue about the role of economics in creating a just, sustainable, and equitable world.

Publications

More publications

Research news

• Decarbonization policy initiatives will require more data-based decision-making
• Transit systems in Kenya demonstrate some potential upsides of worker monitoring technologies
• 2024 CITRIS Interdisciplinary Innovation Program supports wide range of campus research
• UCSC’s Center for Coastal Climate Resilience awards over $4.6 million to support California coastal projects
• White House cites economist Rob Fairlie’s research on Native American entrepreneurship
• White House cites Rob Fairlie’s research in annual economic report
• Political parties use gerrymandering to counteract shifting voter preferences in key battleground states
• Economics professor takes deep dive into challenges and opportunities of climate change
• Impacts of rainy weather on coronavirus outbreaks reveal economic benefits from earlier social distancing

More research news