Wilson’s was very pleased to play host to Maxwell Marlow, Director of Research at the Adam Smith Institute, as part of the Economics Department University Preparation week in July. Part of the programme involved an essay contest, which Maxwell was pleased to judge. Students wrote on a wide range of topics—providing solutions to the housing crisis, solving the UK ‘productivity gap’ and analysing prospects for the UK economy. They displayed qualities of academic rigour and credible levels of research, topped off with balanced conclusions that made their work, in the words of the judge, of ‘very high quality’.

Out of a crowded field (over sixty students took part) two winners emerged. We are proud to announce that Krish T won first prize and was awarded an intern placement for a week at the Adam Smith Institute. A much sought after prize!

Maxwell Marlow

Krish very much appreciated both the University Preparation Week and the opportunity to take part in the contest:

‘I recently had the great pleasure of entering, and later winning, an essay competition run by the Adam Smith Institute, one of the UK’s leading tanks. I admire the work modern economists undertake, and the competition gave me the opportunity to use data and current events to explore the reasons for today’s economic trends, which led to me analysing the rapidly rising prices of houses in the UK. My research led me to some surprising conclusions, such as the large role the outdated, lengthy planning system played in limiting residential development. Overall, it was a thrilling experience, and I’m immensely grateful to both the ASI and the school for offering me the chance to write an essay on issues that interested me, as well as the tremendous opportunity of completing a week of work experience there, which I look forward to with great excitement’.

In second place, Biranavan L was able to win a selection of Adam Smith publications for his efforts. Biranavan also very much appreciated the programme as a whole:

‘I was the runner-up in an essay competition organised in collaboration between the Wilson's School Economics department and the Adam Smith Institute Think Tank as part of the school's University Preparation Programme. I explored my macroeconomic interests by writing an article detailing the causes of the UK's stagnant Total Factor Productivity Growth since 2008, alongside the policies which can be implemented to solve the issue. This competition was unique in allowing students to choose their own titles related to the UK economy, enabling us to research the topics we were most passionate about. This experience greatly enhanced my understanding of one of the most pertinent issues facing the UK today, motivating me to further my study of our nation's economy in the future. As such, I am truly grateful to both the school and the Adam Smith Institute for organising this exceptional opportunity’.

Thanks again to Maxwell and the Adam Smith Institute for their valued contributions to academic life at Wilson’s school.