Joel Andreas is a Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University since 2003, serving as Program Director of the East Asian Studies Program. His research focuses on political contention, social inequality, and social change in contemporary China. He holds a PhD in Sociology from UCLA and teaches social theory, political sociology, and courses on Chinese society. He has held visiting positions at universities including the University of Sydney, Hong Kong University, and Ningxia University. His work examines labor movements, rural land policies, and class dynamics in China. Recent research includes analyses of staff-worker congresses, rural land dispossession, and the persistence of militarism in U.S. policy. He critiques market reforms and explores the legacy of the Cultural Revolution. Andreas has contributed to debates on China’s transition to capitalism and the decline of socialist systems. His publications span topics from urbanization to state coercion in rural development. He maintains an active role in academic exchanges and policy-relevant research on China’s socio-political landscape.
Douglas W. Diamond is the Merton H. Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, where he has been on the faculty since 1979. He received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2022 for his groundbreaking research on banks and financial crises. Diamond is also a research associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research and a visiting scholar at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. His research focuses on financial intermediaries, financial crises, and liquidity. Diamond's work has established the theoretical foundations for understanding why banks exist, how they create liquidity, and why they are vulnerable to runs. His seminal papers with Philip Dybvig on bank runs and deposit insurance form the basis of modern bank regulation. Diamond's extensive publication record shows a consistent focus on banking theory, financial intermediation, and financial stability. His research has evolved from foundational theoretical work to more recent analyses of liquidity, pledgeability, and the role of banks in the financial system. His work has become increasingly relevant following the 2008 financial crisis and the more recent banking turmoil. Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (2022) Onassis Prize in Finance (2018) CME Group-Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Prize (2016) Morgan Stanley-American Finance Association Award (2012) Member of the National Academy of Sciences Fellow of the Econometric Society Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Diamond has served as president of both the American Finance Association and the Western Finance Association. He has advised policymakers during financial crises, including providing analysis of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in 2023. His research has directly influenced financial regulation and central bank policy regarding bank stability and liquidity requirements.
Professor Jamie Peck is a University Killam Professor and Professor of Geography at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Arts, Department of Geography. He holds the prestigious title of Distinguished University Scholar at UBC and maintains significant international academic affiliations including Visiting Professor at Oxford University's School of Geography and the Environment, Honorary Professorial Fellow at the University of Manchester, and Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham. Peck received his PhD in Geography from the University of Manchester in 1988 following his BA (Hons) in Geography from the same institution. His distinguished academic career spans positions at the University of Manchester (1989-2000), University of Wisconsin-Madison (2000-2008), and his current position at UBC where he has been a central figure in economic geography and interdisciplinary social science. As an institutional political economist, Professor Peck's research critically examines the spatial dimensions of economic processes, with particular attention to how global phenomena like neoliberalization are constituted through local practices. His work bridges economic geography, urban studies, political economy, and social theory, consistently challenging conventional understandings of market processes and statecraft. Recent research focuses on Chinese state capitalism, especially the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong's evolving political status, alongside methodological innovations in conjunctural analysis as demonstrated in his 2023 book Variegated Economies . His scholarly output reveals a sustained engagement with the variegated nature of capitalist development across different spatial contexts. Recent publications demonstrate a sophisticated methodological approach combining institutional analysis with extended case methods, emphasizing historical context and spatial specificity while challenging universalizing theoretical claims. His work on Chinese political economy represents a significant departure from conventional Western-centric analyses. University Killam Professor (2025) Lauréat Prix International de Géographie Vautrin Lud ("Nobel de Géographie") (2023) Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada Clarivate Highly Cited, Social Sciences (2014-2024) Distinguished University Scholar, UBC (2017-present) Canada Research Chair in Urban & Regional Political Economy (2008-2022) Professor Peck has supervised numerous doctoral students whose dissertations examine diverse topics including global urban solutions industries, US-Mexico border economies, Rio de Janeiro's 'PACification' processes, and China's experimental economic zones. His supervision approach emphasizes theoretically sophisticated empirical work that connects local case studies to broader political economic processes. His Canada Research Chair position supported extensive research on urban and regional political economy, while his current Killam Professorship funds ongoing work on Chinese political economy and conjunctural analysis methodologies. While not formally affiliated with a specific laboratory, Professor Peck is deeply engaged with multiple scholarly networks through his editorial leadership as Managing Editor of EPA: Economy & Space and co-editor of the Economic Transformations book series. His role as Convenor of the Summer Institute in Economic Geography demonstrates his commitment to fostering scholarly exchange and theoretical development in economic geography as a discipline.
Professor Jennifer Payne is Warden of Merton College, Oxford, and a leading authority in company law, corporate finance law, financial regulation, and corporate insolvency. She has authored numerous influential books and articles, and holds significant editorial and advisory roles in the academic and policy-making spheres. Research Interests: Company law and corporate governance Corporate finance and securities regulation Financial regulation and policy Corporate insolvency and debt restructuring Comparative and European financial law Her work spans both theoretical and practical dimensions, with a strong focus on regulatory frameworks, legal reforms, and cross-border financial issues. She has contributed extensively to policy debates and legal developments in the UK and EU. Scientific Awards & Honors: Elected to membership of the International Insolvency Institute (2016) Member of ESMA’s Securities and Markets Stakeholders Group (2016–2018) Member of ESMA’s Corporate Finance Standing Committee Consultative Working Group (2015–2017) Law Delegate of Oxford University Press (2020–present) Expert Advisory Panel member to the Law Commission on Intermediated Securities and Digital Assets Editorial & Advisory Roles: Founder editor, Journal of Corporate Law Studies Founder editor, Oxford Business Law Blog Review Articles editor, Oxford Journal of Legal Studies Contributor to Palmer’s Company Law Visiting Positions: She has held visiting professorships at Melbourne Law School, National University of Singapore, and the University of Auckland, reflecting her international academic influence.
Associate Professor Mark Humphery-Jenner is a distinguished faculty member at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Business School, specifically within the School of Banking and Finance. With an exceptional academic pedigree including multiple PhDs from prestigious institutions worldwide, he has established himself as a leading researcher at the intersection of finance, law, and corporate governance. Dr. Humphery-Jenner's educational background demonstrates remarkable breadth and depth, featuring PhDs from UNSW, Tilburg University, and Leiden University, along with master's degrees from Columbia University and the University of Washington. His undergraduate achievements include a BCom with First Class Honours and University Medal, and an LLB with First Class Honours, both from UNSW. This multidisciplinary foundation spanning business, law, and finance informs his comprehensive research approach. His research spans corporate finance, venture capital, and law, with particular focus on how legal frameworks shape financial decision-making and corporate behavior. Humphery-Jenner has published extensively in top-tier finance journals including the Journal of Financial Economics, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Review of Finance, and Journal of Corporate Finance, as well as leading management journals such as Strategic Management Journal and Journal of International Business Studies. His scholarly contributions address critical issues in executive compensation, securities litigation, corporate governance, and private equity markets. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a sophisticated research trajectory increasingly focused on the relationship between litigation risk and financial reporting practices, corporate governance mechanisms, and investor protection frameworks. His work demonstrates particular attention to Australian regulatory contexts while maintaining a strong international comparative perspective, especially regarding Asian capital markets and cross-border investment. With substantial industry experience including work in investment banking and consulting for hedge funds, Humphery-Jenner brings practical insights to his academic work. He has been teaching in various capacities since 2006 and has served as an assistant professor in finance since 2012, contributing significantly to business education at UNSW. His professional background enhances his ability to bridge theoretical research with real-world financial practice.
David Harvey is a Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Geography at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center and Director of Research at the Center for Place, Culture and Politics. He has been teaching and writing about Karl Marx’s Capital for over 50 years, earning recognition as a leading Marxist scholar and urban theorist. Research Interests Cultural anthropology Political economy Urbanization and capitalist development Environmental justice Geographical theory Advanced capitalist countries Publications & Trends Harvey’s work spans Marxist theory, neoliberalism, and urban studies, with recent focus on Grundrisse and capitalist contradictions. His scholarship connects historical materialism to contemporary crises, emphasizing spatial fixes, environmental limits, and anti-capitalist resistance. Awards & Honors Outstanding Contributor Award (Association of American Geographers) Centenary Medal (Royal Scottish Geographical Society, 2002) Isaac and Tamara Deutscher Book Prize (2010) for The Enigma of Capital Honorary degrees from University of Bristol, Goldsmith College, Kent, Buenos Aires, Roskilde, Uppsala, and Ohio State University
Maurizio Dallocchio is a Full Professor of Corporate Finance at Bocconi University and SDA Bocconi School of Management. He served as Dean of SDA Bocconi (2003–2007) and has held leadership roles in academic and professional institutions, including Chair of the Audit Committee of the European Investment Bank (EIB). His research focuses on corporate valuation, mergers & acquisitions (M&A), and sustainable finance. Dallocchio founded DGPA & Co., a corporate finance consultancy, and advises public and private entities globally. He has taught at leading institutions like London Business School and NYU Stern School of Business. Educational Background: Ph.D. in Business Administration, Bocconi University Advanced studies at London Business School and New York University Stern School of Business Research Interests: Prof. Dallocchio’s work emphasizes corporate restructuring, ESG integration in finance, and strategic valuation methodologies . Recent studies explore environmental performance in emerging markets and the resilience of conglomerates during economic crises. He advocates for sustainable investment strategies that balance financial returns with societal impact. Professional Engagements: Board member roles at Klepierre Management, General Finance, and Podravska Banka Past Director of the Master in Corporate Finance program at SDA Bocconi Labs/Teams: Leads research initiatives at Bocconi’s Corporate Finance and Real Estate Department, collaborating with global institutions on projects involving corporate governance, M&A analytics, and sustainable development.
Allen J. Scott is a Distinguished Research Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, with a joint appointment in the Department of Public Policy (School of Public Affairs) and Department of Geography. He has held prestigious positions at UCLA since 1994 and previously at the University of Toronto (1969–1994). His career spans over five decades, focusing on urban geography, regional development, and cultural economy. Education : BA (1961) from Oxford University; MA and PhD (1962, 1965) from Northwestern University. Research Interests include: Creative cities and cognitive-cultural capitalism Political economy of urbanization and globalization Industrial clusters and labor-intensive economies Human capital distribution in metropolitan areas Cultural landscapes and peripheral development Publication Trends (2005–2014) emphasize: Globalization's impact on low-technology industries Cognitive-cultural capitalism in urban contexts Human capital dynamics in metropolitan hierarchies Celebrity culture and urban glamour Creative field theories and urban policy implications Scientific Awards : 1986 Guggenheim Fellow 2003 Vautrin Lud Prize 2005 Meridian Book Prize 1999–2013: Chaires d’Excellence, Fellowships, and Doctor Honoris Causa 2008 Carol and Bruce Mallen Lifetime Achievement Award 2003 ISI Highly Cited Author
Barry Naughton is the So Kwan Lok Chair of Chinese International Affairs at the School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS), University of California, San Diego, where he has been a faculty member since 1988 and was appointed to his named professorship in 1998. As a globally recognized authority on China's economic transformation, his work bridges academic rigor and policy relevance through decades of analysis of market reforms, industrial development, and international economic relations. His academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University (1986) M.A. in International Relations from Yale University (1979) B.A. in Chinese Language and Literature from the University of Washington (1975) Naughton's research centers on China's transition from planned to market economy, with emphasis on industrial restructuring, foreign trade dynamics, and regional development disparities. His scholarship uniquely connects historical analysis of reform milestones with contemporary policy challenges, particularly examining how state-market interactions shape technological advancement and global economic integration. This dual focus on institutional evolution and sectoral transformation has established him as a critical interpreter of China's development model for both academic and policy audiences. Analysis of his 2020-2024 publications reveals a decisive shift toward examining China's industrial policy architecture and state capitalism mechanisms. Key thematic clusters include the conceptualization of 'Grand Steerage' in state-economy relations, the restructuring of science-technology systems, and the sectoral implementation of industrial policies. These works collectively document China's evolving governance approach—from market liberalization to targeted state direction—while analyzing implications for global trade and innovation ecosystems. His scholarly recognition includes: Ohira Memorial Prize for 'Growing Out of the Plan: Chinese Economic Reform, 1978-1993' (1996) Administrative leadership has been integral to Naughton's career, serving as Associate Dean of GPS (1992-1995, 2001-2003) and Chair of UCSD's Chinese Studies Program (1998-2000). His policy engagement extends through the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (1998-2003) and U.S. academic committees on Chinese studies. Current research examines regional growth patterns and foreign investment linkages while completing a new edition of his seminal textbook 'The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth,' which remains the field's authoritative reference. Though not leading a formal laboratory, Naughton shapes discourse through China Leadership Monitor's quarterly economic assessments and collaborative networks like the edited volume 'State Capitalism, Institutional Adaptation and the Chinese Miracle' (2015), which mobilized leading scholars to analyze China's institutional innovation within global capitalism.
Prof Kulwant Singh is a Professor of Strategy and Policy at the NUS Business School, National University of Singapore. His research focuses on strategy, management, organizational behavior, applied economics, and business systems in regional and global contexts. He holds a permanent academic appointment since January 2022. Teaching philosophy emphasizes contextualizing content for Singapore/Asia-Pacific business environments through case studies and combining theoretical frameworks with practical applications. He prioritizes interactive seminars to enhance student engagement and theoretical understanding in strategy education. Research interests include corporate diversification strategies, political ties' impact, alliance portfolio management, institutional transitions, and innovation dynamics in emerging markets. His work bridges universal strategic theories with Asia-specific business practices. Award-winning contributions include developing teaching materials for regional business contexts and advancing understanding of strategic competition in complex environments. Active in academic leadership through conference organization and editorial roles in strategy research.
Stefano Rossi is a Full Professor of Finance at Bocconi University's Department of Finance, serving as Chair of the Department. He holds affiliations with the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) and the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI), and serves on editorial boards for journals including Journal of Law, Finance, and Accounting and European Financial Management . His research focuses on corporate governance, bankruptcy, debt financing, sovereign borrowing, and quantitative trading, with publications in top journals such as The Journal of Finance and Journal of Monetary Economics . He has received international recognition, including awards for his work on ownership evolution. Prior to Bocconi, he taught at institutions including the Stockholm School of Economics and Cornell University. He earned his BA/MSc from Bocconi and a PhD in Finance from London Business School. Prof. Rossi's research explores intersections between corporate finance and public policy, with recent work analyzing credit cycles, municipal bankruptcy law, and liquidity shocks in insurance markets. His articles frequently address systemic financial risks and institutional frameworks governing corporate and sovereign debt. Awards include the ECGI Best Paper Prize for his collaborative research on ownership dynamics. Teaching spans corporate finance, valuation, and financial markets at undergraduate, graduate, and executive levels. He has developed courses at Bocconi's undergraduate, MBA, and PhD programs, emphasizing practical applications of theoretical finance models. His comprehensive curriculum includes mergers & acquisitions and private equity strategies. Key contributions include studies on shareholder voting mechanisms, sovereign default dynamics, and the impact of tax policies on corporate behavior. His work often bridges academic rigor with real-world policy implications, influencing both academic discourse and regulatory practices.
Dr. phil. Andrej Holm is a Researcher at the Institute of Social Sciences , Humboldt University of Berlin, specializing in Urban and Regional Sociology . As a Women's Representative and active academic, he focuses on gentrification, housing policy in international comparison, and European urban policy. His work bridges academia and activism, contributing to housing referendums and social movement analysis. Research Themes : Gentrification dynamics, financialization of housing, socio-ecological housing transformation, and post-socialist urban development. Key Projects : Expert analysis for Berlin housing socialization referendum (2022), comparative studies on Amsterdam/Barcelona/Berlin/Vienna (2022), and social infrastructure reconceptualization (2021). Holm's publications span urban policy critiques and housing justice , with recent 2025 works examining financial investors' impact on Berlin housing and pandemic-era housing conditions. His research integrates political economy with spatial inequality frameworks.
Tim Jenkinson is a Professor of Finance at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. He holds dual roles as a Professorial Fellow at Keble College and a Research Associate at the European Corporate Governance Institute. His expertise spans private equity, IPOs, and institutional asset management, with a focus on empirical research leveraging unique industry data. Education: B.A. in Economics from the University of Cambridge, Thouron Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, DPhil in Economics from the University of Oxford. Research Interests : Tim’s work examines private equity performance persistence, IPO pricing dynamics, and regulatory impacts on financial markets. His studies have been published in top journals like Journal of Financial Economics and Management Science . Key Contributions : Director of the Oxford Private Equity Institute, founder of the Private Equity Research Consortium, and frequent keynote speaker at global finance events. His research has won major awards, including the Harry Markowitz Prize (2016) and Commonfund Prize (2015). Engagement & Teaching : Teaches entrepreneurial finance to MBA/EMBA students and runs the Oxford Private Equity Programme. Recognized with the 2014 'Best Elective Teacher' award. Also serves on valuation committees for Schroder British Opportunities Trust and Oxford University Endowment Management. Professional Roles : Partner at Oxera (economic consultancy), former UK Treasury Select Committee advisor, and expert witness in high-profile litigation. His work bridges academia and practice, influencing policy and industry standards. Labs & Initiatives : Leads the Oxford Private Equity Institute and collaborates with the Oxford-Hyundai Motor Group Foresight Centre. Active in shaping future research through the Private Equity Research Consortium.
Max Koch is a Professor at Lund University's School of Social Work, specializing in the intersection of social policy, ecological sustainability, and postgrowth theories. His research explores how capitalist restructuring impacts welfare, inequality, and climate action, with a focus on sustainable welfare systems and degrowth. Current projects: 'Economic Elites in the Climate Change Transformation' (PI, 2023-2028), 'Regulating the Polluter Elite' (2024-2027), 'FLYWELL' (2023-2026). Former projects: 'Postgrowth Welfare Systems' (2021-2025), 'Sustainable Welfare for a New Generation' (2020-2023). He teaches political economy, social inequality, and ecological sustainability at Lund University, directing the 'Social Policy in Europe' course. As a Visiting Scholar, he has collaborated with institutions in Spain, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Chile. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to climate action and reduced inequalities. Scientific award: Atlas Prize (2019) for degrowth research. Editorial roles: Environmental Values, advisory boards for ORSI and Collorative Future Making. Recent publications analyze planetary boundaries, postgrowth welfare models, and climate policy synergies. His research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining social practices with policy innovation.
California Polytechnic State UniversityUnited States
Brian Ayash is an Associate Professor at the Department of Finance within California Polytechnic State University . He specializes in corporate finance and entrepreneurship , with research focusing on private equity , distressed asset pricing , and bankruptcy . Dr. Ayash teaches courses in these areas and is currently on sabbatical. Education : Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Clarkson University MBA, University of Rochester Master of Science & PhD in Business Administration, University of California, Berkeley Research Interests : Dr. Ayash investigates the dynamics of leveraged buyouts , including operating performance, investment patterns, and equity sponsor returns. His work bridges theoretical finance with practical applications in bankruptcy and distressed asset management . Professional Experience : Prior to academia, Dr. Ayash worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers, FTI Consulting, and Alvarez & Marsal Europe. He holds certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) , Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) , and Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor (CIRA) .
