Maria Psyllou

Maria Psyllou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. She holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester and an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Cyprus. She previously worked as a Teaching Associate at Queen Mary University of London before joining the University of Birmingham.

• Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE), University of Birmingham
• PhD in Economics, University of Leicester
• MSc in Banking and Finance, University of Leicester
• BSc in Mathematics and Statistics, University of Cyprus

Maria's research interests focus on the Economics of Education, Gender Economics, Inequality, Labour Economics, and Environmental Economics. She is particularly passionate about pedagogical innovation, including the use of gamification (e.g., escape room games), AI in teaching and assessment, and initiatives to promote widening participation and address female underrepresentation in economics. Her work bridges traditional economic research with transformative educational practices.

Her recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong trend toward innovative teaching methodologies, the integration of artificial intelligence in education, and the socio-economic impacts of cultural phenomena. She explores how interactive tools like escape rooms and AI-driven group learning can enhance student engagement, inclusivity, and skill development. Additionally, her work touches on broader economic themes such as sustainable fashion, the economic impact of major events (e.g., Taylor Swift’s tour), and the readiness of academics for generative AI.

Her scientific contributions have been recognized through fellowships and leadership programs:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Aurora Leadership Development Certificate, Advance Higher Education Academy, 2022

Maria plays a key role in academic leadership and mentoring. She serves as the Business Education Research and Scholarship (BERS) Deputy Convenor and was the Academic Integrity Officer for the Department of Economics (2020–2023). She supervises MSc dissertations and undergraduate extended essays, and leads outreach initiatives targeting female students from disadvantaged backgrounds. She is the UK Women in Economics Network (UK WEN) Lead for the ‘Inspire’ Initiative, a mentor in the Women in Economics Initiative, and co-organizes national events with Professor Almudena Sevilla. She is also the co-founder and co-lead of the Birmingham Economics Education Seminars (BEES), fostering academic collaboration across institutions.

Maria is actively involved in external academic service, currently serving as External Examiner for Queen Mary University of London (2021–present). She has organized and led numerous school outreach programs and is a Discover Economics Academic Champion, promoting diversity and accessibility in the field of economics.