CMA Durham Dissertation Awards

The Department of Economics, together with the Microeconomics Unit of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), created in 2024 an award for the best Dissertation on topics that are relevant for the CMA. The three shortlisted candidates will give a 10-minute presentation in front of a joint CMA – Durham committee, who will then choose the winner. The event will also feature a presentation from the CMA on their new report on industrial policies, that was published recently. The event took place on Tuesday June 3, at 3pm, in MHL454, Mill Hill Lane Business School.

Congratulations to the shortlisted students!

1. Daniel Benton (advisor Eren Arbatli) “Education, Wages and the Feminisation of the Rural Indian Labour Force”
2. Harriette Lilburn (advisor John Ashworth)
   “Quantifying the Economic Impact of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes on Workforce Productivity in the UK: A Human Capital Approach”
3. Harry Young (advisor Cem Cakmakli)
   “The Macroeconomic Drivers of M&A Activity: Evidence from Strategic and Financial Acquisitions in Europe”

After a difficult (and long) deliberation, the committee chose Harriette Lilburn as the winner!

CMA - Durham Committee

Spyros Galanis (Durham)

Fizza Jabbar (CMA)

Daniel Li (Durham)

Luke McWatters (CMA)

Rajssa Mechelli (CMA) 

Cole Williams (Durham)

Ayse Yazici (Durham)

Past Winners

2024 Charles Williams-Ellis