Yesterday, the School hosted an evening to celebrate the career of Professor Sir Paul Collier, bringing together friends, colleagues and former students from across the School’s community.

The event reflected the breadth of Paul’s influence as a scholar who has consistently bridged academic research and public policy. Over the course of his career, his work has shaped thinking on conflict, development and neglected places, reaching audiences well beyond academia through books such as ‘The Bottom Billion’, ‘The Future of Capitalism’ and ‘Left Behind: A New Economics for Neglected Places’.

The event featured panel discussions that brought together economists, philosophers and policy practitioners from across the UK and beyond, and closed with reflections on Collier’s contribution to the School and to wider public debate.

The School extends its thanks to all those who took part, including Dean Professor Ngaire Woods, Andy Haldane, Professor Sir John Kay, Professor Sir Tim Besley, Professor Michael Sandel, Professor Hilary Cottam, Professor Philip McCann, Professor Dennis Snower, Professor Colin Mayer and Professor Sir Charles Godfray, as well as everyone who joined us to mark the occasion.

Professor Collier will retire in September 2026.