Fari Aftab

Dr Fari Aftab is a Research Associate at Cardiff University's Cardiff Business School, collaborating with Professor Melanie Jones on interdisciplinary research in labour economics, gender inequalities, and workplace productivity. She joined Cardiff in May 2025 to contribute to the Wales Productivity Forum and develop collaborative research agendas.

• PhD in Economics (University of Leeds)
• MSc in Business Economics (University of Reading, Cum Laude, Best Dissertation Award)
• BSc (Hons) in Economics (Gold Medal)

Her research integrates economics, sociology, psychology, and behavioural science to address complex questions around gender, work, and wellbeing. She specializes in applied econometrics, mixed-methods research, and large-scale dataset analysis (Understanding Society, panel data, Callaway & Sant'Anna event study methods).

Dr Aftab has led a UK-wide mixed-methods study with >1,800 participants on maternal wellbeing and employment transitions, combining advanced econometric techniques with qualitative insights. Her publications focus on immigrant wellbeing during crises, socio-economic determinants of satisfaction, and policy-relevant analyses.

• Scientific Awards: Best Dissertation Award, Cum Laude Honours, Gold Medal for BSc Economics

She has taught undergraduate modules in quantitative methods, econometrics, and economics at the University of Leeds, University of Reading, and FCCU, Pakistan. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes practical statistical tools and critical engagement with contemporary socio-economic issues.