Vasco M. Carvalho

Vasco M. Carvalho serves as University Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) and Senior Keynes Fellow in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Cambridge, where he is also a Fellow of Jesus College. He coordinates the Cambridge-INET institute and leads major research initiatives on production networks and macroeconomic dynamics. His academic trajectory spans prestigious institutions including the University of Chicago and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, with current research focusing on how sectoral interdependencies propagate economic shocks.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Economics, University of Chicago
• MA in Economics, University of Chicago
• MPhil in Economics, University of Cambridge
• BA in Economics, Technical University of Lisbon

Carvalho's research centers on macroeconomics with groundbreaking work in production networks and sectoral interdependence. He pioneered the network-based approach to understanding how microeconomic shocks cascade through input-output structures to generate aggregate fluctuations, fundamentally changing macroeconomic analysis. His methodology combines advanced econometrics with large-scale economic data, revealing how supply chain architectures determine vulnerability to disasters and policy impacts. Recent work extends this framework to pandemic responses using high-frequency transaction data, demonstrating real-time economic monitoring capabilities.

Analysis of his publication trends shows consistent focus on network theory applications to macroeconomics, with increasing emphasis on real-time data analytics during crises. His work bridges theoretical modeling and empirical validation, particularly in disaster economics and policy evaluation. The shift toward high-resolution data since 2020 reflects urgent pandemic-related research needs while maintaining his core network economics framework.

His scientific recognition includes:

• British Academy Wiley Prize in Economics (2014) for early-career achievement
• Philip Leverhulme Prize in Economics
• European Research Council Starting Investigator Grant for 'MacroNets: Production Networks in Macroeconomics'
• Senior Keynes Fellowship

As Principal Investigator of the €1.5M ERC grant 'MacroNets', Carvalho directs a multidisciplinary team investigating production network structures and their macroeconomic implications. His pandemic-related research secured rapid-response funding for high-frequency economic tracking, demonstrating exceptional grant acquisition capabilities. He actively mentors junior researchers through the Cambridge-INET institute and Jesus College, though specific student names aren't publicly documented. His advisory role extends to policy institutions seeking network-based economic modeling.

Carvalho operates at the Cambridge-INET institute hub, collaborating with economists, data scientists, and network theorists. His 'MacroNets' project has established Cambridge as a global center for production network research, with partnerships spanning CREI Barcelona, European central banks, and international statistical agencies. Current work focuses on dynamic network modeling for disaster preparedness and real-time economic monitoring infrastructure.