Professor Jagjit S. Chadha, Director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) gives 2023 Ronald Tress Memorial Lecture

The annual memorial lecture commemorates the founder of the Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics and former Master of Birkbeck, Professor Ronald Tress CBE.

On Wednesday 10 May, Birkbeck’s Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics welcomed Professor Jagjit S. Chadha, Director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), to deliver the Ronald Tress Memorial Lecture, on the topic of “What went wrong with 21st Century Economic Policy – a View from Westminster.”

The thought-provoking lecture discussed the successive failings of recent economic events in the UK, with a particular focus on the mini-budget of September 2022. Professor Chadha, explained the possible effects of Brexit and the decisions taken by monetary and fiscal authorities in why the UK was lagging in its recovery compared to other economies. Professor Chadha was particularly concerned about the income and wealth inequality that persist in the UK. He suggested some possible solutions including reforming the focusses of monetary and fiscal policies and nurturing the supply side of the economy.

The lecture was an opportunity to welcome members of Professor Ronald Tress’s family, as well as staff, students and alumni to come together to discuss the complex issues facing our economy. The lecture also offered guests a chance to meet Professor Jagjit S. Chadha and receive a signed copy of his latest book; The Money Minders: The Parables, Trade-offs and Lags of Central Banking.

Dr Ken Hori, the Head of Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, remarked, “It is reassuring to have someone like Jagjit in this influential role who not only understands the UK economy, but more importantly cares about its issues such as inequality. The lecture was a demonstration of what economists should be doing.”

The Ronald Tress Memorial Lecture is a significant event in Birkbeck’s 200-year history, honouring the instrumental role of Professor Ronald Tress CBE in establishing the Economics Department over 50 years ago. It serves as a reminder of the visionary leaders who have shaped the university as we celebrate our 200th anniversary.

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“Birkbeck is an inclusive, diverse and supportive environment” 

MA Film and Screen Media graduate, Charlie Gardiner, shares her thoughts on how studying helped her gain both personal and professional confidence, progressing her career in the film industry. 

Getting started in the film industry  

After completing my BA Hons in Film, I worked in and around the film industry: I was part of the studio team at a leading company in the casting world, an assistant at a voice talent agency, and a freelance film journalist. While my career was off to a good start, when the pandemic hit, I felt like I needed more: I felt the urge to go back to education.  

When education fits around life 

One of the main reasons I chose Birkbeck was because of the evening classes. At the time that I decided to study, I was working part-time and partially furloughed due to the pandemic, so I wasn’t sure how my timetable would look if I was called back into full-time work. It was a comfort to know that if my daytime work schedule changed (which it did), I could continue my studies. The fact that I’d always heard good things about Birkbeck was a bonus – I knew it would be a great place to study.  

With studying comes confidence 

Studying for my Master’s gave me the confidence to apply for jobs outside of my comfort zone. Not only did I have more knowledge about the industry, I had also proven to myself that I have excellent time management skills and drive – pursuing a full-time Master’s whilst also working full-time was no small feat! The experience helped me realise that anyone can achieve what they hope to if they set their mind to it. With my degree and new outlook in hand, I aimed to move into a more creative area of the film industry, ideally within the visual effects (VFX) or post-production fields and I achieved my goal – I’ve just accepted a new job as Talent Coordinator at ILM, a leading VFX company!  

A positive learning environment 

The diversity of the student body was also inspiring, with people from all walks of life coming together to learn. The inclusivity from the College was great – no matter someone’s age, background or culture, we were given support and space to share ideas together. I know a lot of students don’t say this, but I actually loved writing my dissertation! I felt completely free and supported to write about whatever I wanted to – I chose a subject very close to my heart which made the process so enriching.  

Education can surprise you 

I never intended to go to university in the first place, let alone go back to do a post-graduate degree. But Birkbeck was there for me when I was in desperate need of some structure and direction. To anyone thinking of studying: if you have the time, energy and patience to dive in, then do it. Why not? Birkbeck is an inclusive, diverse and supportive environment for anyone who wants to better themselves or simply celebrate a passion. I am both grateful and proud to have studied here, and I hope it opens up doors and builds others’ confidence as it has for me. 

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Changing careers from the corporate to clinical world

Wardah Jadran, an international student from Pakistan, graduated this week with a Master’s in Health and Clinical Psychological Sciences. Here she tells her story. 

Wardah Jadran

It’s always been a dream of mine to study abroad in England. I actually received offers from three UK universities, but I chose Birkbeck for its amazing location in Bloomsbury, central London. I was willing to study in London as it felt familiar from movies, and I was keen to visit famous landmarks such as Oxford Street and the British Museum which are a very short walk away from Birkbeck. 

I did a BSc Psychology undergraduate degree in Islamabad, Pakistan, but after that I took a different career path into Corporate sales/marketing and later human resources. I secured a number of promotions and worked my way up to manager level and was doing really well, winning awards including employee of the year. But I greatly missed clinical psychology, feeling a sense of emptiness and wanting to pursue my dream of undertaking a degree in England to secure a job working in mental health psychology. 

This led me to applying for a MSc Health and Clinical Psychological Sciences degree. When I started I was so happy to be back studying my passion and was very impressed with how helpful Birkbeck staff were with everything, and how excellent the teaching was. I started volunteering at St Pancras Hospital as a Mental Health Assistant and working as a Special Education teacher, counselling and supporting special needs children whilst studying, and commuting for both work and study from South West London which was remarkably easy. The huge difference for me was that for the first time I wasn’t living with my parents anymore. Whilst I found this hard at times, it meant I became much more independent, and my horizons greatly expanded.  

I’ve ended up making friends for life at Birkbeck, with people from all over the world of all different ages. Studying with people aged 21 to 42, was beneficial as I learnt how to communicate with everyone, regardless of age. The blend of cultures was so interesting and something which I didn’t get exposure to in Pakistan – I made friends with people all over the globe, including England, South America, China, India and other parts of Europe. I was friends with everyone in my classes – we frequently got snacks or lunch together from the Birkbeck café after the lectures. We also loved trying foods from around the world at the farmer’s market by the university every week. Spending time in spring and summer in Russell Square Gardens, just around the corner from Birkbeck, was also lovely. But what I loved the most was the Birkbeck Library – I used to spend hours and hours in there! 

Overall, I just loved my Birkbeck experience. I’m now interviewing for Assistant Psychologist and other related roles in mental health, hoping to specialise in neurocognitive and personality disorders, and I’m excited to begin this new chapter of my life. 

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