Ian Preston

Ian Preston is a Professor of Economics at University College London (UCL), where he holds a position in the Department of Economics. He also serves as Research Director at the Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM) and as a Research Fellow at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). His research focuses on consumer demand, distribution of living standards, immigration, public spending and taxation, political economy, and sport economics. He has contributed to policy debates on migration, fiscal policy, and social welfare through his work with IFS and CReAM. Preston’s academic career includes teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in microeconomics and public policy at UCL.

His research spans topics such as the economic impacts of immigration on labor markets and public finances, the transmission of income inequality into consumption, and the design of tax policies to address environmental and social challenges. He has also explored interdisciplinary areas like the economics of cricket and historical perspectives on economics and statistics in London. Preston’s work frequently intersects with policy analysis, emphasizing empirical rigor and practical implications for public decision-making.

Notable contributions include studies on refugee labor market integration, the effects of public spending cuts on vulnerable populations, and the role of primary care data in predicting climate vulnerability. His publications often address contemporary issues such as income inequality, fiscal sustainability, and the political economy of tax policy. Preston actively engages with policymakers and the broader academic community through his research and editorial roles.