On Wednesday 12 March 2025, Ulster University Business School’s Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics welcomed over 150 lower sixth A-Level Economics pupils and their teachers to its fifth Economics Conference.
Held at W5 in Belfast, the event offered students a valuable insight into key economic issues through a series of engaging and curriculum-relevant talks delivered by leading Ulster University academics. Attendees included schools from across Northern Ireland, including Belfast Royal Academy, St Louise’s Comprehensive School (Belfast), St Malachy's College (Belfast), Portadown College, Mount Lourdes Grammar School (Enniskillen), Friends' School (Lisburn), and Sacred Heart Grammar School (Newry).
Laura McElwee, Lecturer in Finance, opened the conference with a talk on ‘Behavioural Economics and Consumer Decision-Making’, which challenged traditional views on how consumers make their decisions.
Dr Mark Bailey, Course Director of Economics (and the event lead organiser), spoke about ‘Market Failure and Government Intervention’, tying it to the benefits and potential pitfalls of the regulatory changes recently announced in Westminster to stimulate economic growth.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the inaugural Young Economist of the Year Prize from NI Schools Hub, awarded by Mr Shane McComb of Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry.
After a short break, Dr Esmond Birnie, Senior Economist (Economic Research), explored ‘The Possible Impact on NI and the UK Economy of the Trump Presidency’. One teacher commented that the pupils found the event “insightful and useful – particularly when they could see the practical economics of the NHS and Trump administration.”
The final presentation was delivered by Dr Áine Doran, Course Director of Business Economics, on ‘The Crisis in Health and Social Care’. Dr Doran also outlined the range of economics and finance degree programmes available at Ulster University.
A teacher from St Malachy's College, Belfast, described the conference as “a very enjoyable and informative experience for our students.”
Thanks are due from the organising team to Ms Annette Kane and Mrs Catherine Grier for their invaluable administrative and logistical support.
There are plans to make the conference an annual rather than biennial event, with the next edition to take place at the Belfast campus.
Find out more:
If you have any further questions about the Economics School Conference, please contact Dr Mark Bailey, Course and Subject Director of Economics at mf.bailey@ulster.ac.uk
