Augusto Ospital

Augusto Ospital is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at LMU Munich. He received his PhD in Economics from UCLA in 2023 and is actively engaged in research at the intersection of spatial economics, environmental policy, and international trade.

His research focuses on Trade and Spatial Economics, Environmental Economics, and Industrial Organization. Ospital examines how housing supply restrictions affect exposure to natural hazard risks, how trade barriers impact market power dynamics, and how urban policies influence spatial patterns of environmental risk. His work combines theoretical modeling with empirical analysis of spatial data to address pressing questions about climate adaptation and trade policy.

Ospital's publications reveal a consistent focus on the spatial dimensions of economic phenomena, particularly how regulatory frameworks shape patterns of development and risk exposure. His recent work shows that land-use regulations in safe areas can inadvertently push development into riskier zones, increasing overall exposure to natural hazards like wildfires.

• Heinz König Award for Urban Policy and Spatial Exposure to Environmental Risk

Ospital co-organizes the Online Spatial and Urban Seminar (OSUS) and the Munich IE Seminar, demonstrating his active engagement with the academic community. His research has practical implications for policymakers addressing climate adaptation challenges and trade regulation.