Rob Branston

Rob Branston is a Senior Lecturer in Business Economics at the University of Bath School of Management. He co-directs the Centre for Business, Organisations and Society (CBOS) and is part of the Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG). His work integrates economics, governance, and public health.

Research Interests: Focus on governance and regulation of transnational corporations, particularly in the global tobacco industry, and micro-firm regulation. He explores how taxation, pricing strategies, and policy frameworks can secure public health and economic equity.

Projects & Funding: Funded by

• Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
• Cancer Research UK
• National Institute for Health Research
• Royal Economic Society
• Irish Cancer Society
• Irish Heart Foundation

. He has advised UK Parliament, HM Treasury, and Irish Ministry of Finance on tobacco taxation.

Recent Work Trends: Analyzes tax pass-through mechanisms in Ukraine, illicit trade metrics in Malaysia, pricing strategies under tax reforms in Africa, and EU tobacco tax directives. His research often addresses how taxation impacts smoking behavior and industry practices.

Knowledge Exchange: Active in

• stakeholder presentations
• public lectures
• policy debates

on topics like 'Polluter Pays' schemes and minimum unit pricing. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for health and economic equity.