Nuala Zahedieh

Nuala Zahedieh is a Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of Edinburgh, with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. She previously held positions including Reader (2013-2014), Senior Lecturer (2004-2013), and Lecturer (1990-2004) at Edinburgh, and served as Director of the Scottish Centre for Diaspora Studies (2014-2017). Her academic career began with a Research Fellowship at the London School of Economics (1986-1999).

• Educated at the London School of Economics (undergraduate, MA, PhD in Economic History)

Her research focuses on the economic foundations of empire-building, with particular emphasis on the British Atlantic economy. Key areas include:

• Overseas expansion and technological change
• Diaspora and Migration Studies
• Slavery's role in Scottish economic development
• British Caribbean economic systems
• London's commercial evolution

Her publications demonstrate a consistent engagement with interdisciplinary methodologies, combining economic analysis with social and cultural perspectives to examine themes like trust in illicit trade networks and the material consequences of colonial commerce. Notable upcoming work includes Silver, Sugar and Slaves: Jamaica and the Atlantic Economy, 1655-1739 (Cambridge University Press).

Scientific awards include:

• 2017-2018 Visiting Fellowship at All Souls College, Oxford
• 2010-2011 Inter Americas Fellowship
• 2008-2009 Caird Senior Research Fellowship
• Leverhulme Research Fellowship (1997-1998)
• Mellon Fellowship (1993-1994)