Royal Economic Society Past President Rachel Griffith made a Dame in New Year’s Honours
Prof Rachel Griffith, RES Past President has been made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours List for her contribution to economics policy and education.
Dame Rachel has used her pre-eminent position to support the development of UK Government Economic Policy in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. She was the Royal Economic Society’s first female President in over 35 years and only the second woman to hold the post in its 129-year history. Dame Rachel has broken down institutional barriers and has brought together public, private and academic economists in the pursuit of a single national goal.
Dame Rachel also established the Economics Observatory whose purpose is to answer questions from policy-makers and the public about the economics of the Covid-19 crisis and the recovery.
"I'm honoured to receive this award. It is a great recognition of the many ways that economics is changing – for the better. I have had the privilege to be able to work with economists from a wide range of institutions and backgrounds to mobilise research to address the many challenges society is currently facing. I am very optimistic about the positive role that sound and robust economic analysis can play in helping the country to recover."
Leighton Chipperfield, RES Chief Executive said “Rachel’s passion for using economics for public good shines through in everything she does, demonstrated most recently by her role in the Economics Observatory and her contribution to the RES COVID webinar series. I am delighted for her.”
Denise Osborn, RES Secretary General said “Many congratulations to Dame Rachel for this richly deserved award. Her academic work shows how economic analysis can provide important insights to a wide range of real-world issues, through which she has wholeheartedly engaged with policy makers and inspired many students. Dame Rachel‘s wide-ranging involvement with the RES over many years has seen her play key roles as a catalyst for change, particularly as editor of the Society’s journal and as RES President.”
