David Ubilava

Dr. David Ubilava is an Associate Professor in the School of Economics at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University (2010) with research focusing on agricultural markets, commodity prices, and the socioeconomic impacts of climate variability and political conflict. His work examines how environmental factors and market dynamics influence food security and social stability in developing regions.

Research interests center on:

• Price analysis and forecasting in commodity markets
• Climate shocks and agricultural adaptation strategies
• Political violence and conflict economics
• Economic development in vulnerable regions

Publications demonstrate consistent focus on climate-economy interactions, with recent work examining El Niño impacts on global commodity markets and post-harvest conflict dynamics. Research consistently integrates econometric modeling with development policy applications.

Awards & Honors:

• Quality of Research Discovery Award (2025)
• Research Collaboration Award, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (2024)
• Teaching Excellence Award, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (2017)

Currently advises doctoral candidate Gilliane Angela on emerging Asian economies and serves as associate editor for the American Journal of Agricultural Economics (since 2022) and co-editor of Food Policy (since 2018). Research funding includes ARC Discovery Projects on political conflict and food security.