Off The Record

In conversation with Jahir Islam who is a lecturer with the department of economics. He teaches a third year module on The Economics of Developing Countries.Jahir's interests are in financial development in developing countries and in particular micro-finance. We discuss how an economist approaches issues of development and look deeper into how micro-finance helps individuals in developing countries.

In conversation with Dr Adrian Flint who is a senior lecturer at the school of sociology, politics, and international studies (SPAIS). Adrian's interests are in development politics and in particular north-south relations and the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa.Adrian is also the SPAIS undergraduate teaching director and we touch on how SPAIS is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In conversation with Dr Pavel Kuchar who is a lecturer with the department of Economics. He teaches a module on The History of Economic Thought.Pavel began his studies in Prague and completed his PhD in Italy at the University of Turin. Pavel's interests are on institutions and specifically looking at what institutional and social infrastructures underpin markets.

In conversation with Dr Filippo Dionigi who is a lecturer in politics and international relations at the University of Bristol department of Sociology, Politics, and International Studies (SPAIS). Filippo began his studies in Pavia, Italy and can speak Italian, Arabic, English, and read French. He has studied and worked at the London School of Economics as well as briefly at a human rights NGO in Jordan. We discuss Filippo's research interest on Syrian refugees in the middle east looking at host state's (such as Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq) policies towards Syrian refugees. We also talk about life as an academic and his work outside of teaching hours. Timestamp: Background and History (1:10); Research Interests(15:37); Life as an Academic(23:25); Quick Fire Round(29:20).

In Conversation with Professor Martin Parker who is a professor of organisation studies at the University of Bristol department of management.Martin has studied and worked in various UK higher education institutions (Keele, Staffordshire, Goldsmiths in London, Leicester, Warwick, and of course Bristol). His research interests are in sociology, organisational culture, and alternative organisations which challenge contemporary understandings of organisations and business management. Alongside his work within the university, Martin also works with many organisations around Bristol as part of the Inclusive Economy Initiative. His most recent publication is on Zoo's and trying to understand where they come from and why they exist. Timestamp: Bakground and History(1:10); Research Interests(15:10); Life as an Academic(30:20); Quick Fire Round(35:00).

In conversation with Dr Amy Edwards who is lecturer in modern British history at the University of Bristol department of history.Dr Edwards is a political, economic and social historian of late twentieth century Britain. Her current research interests are neoliberalism, Thatcherism and the enterprise culture. We discuss her background, her route to Bristol and . We cover topics as varied as dating, Higher Education, George Orwell, The thick of it, and the state of party politics today. In doing so, we explore the topics and questions that drive her research, in particular the fascinating relationship between culture and politics. Timestamp: Margret Thatcher (1:45); Background and interest in Enterprise culture (11:50); Undergraduate and master's studies (19:35); Contemporary party politics (26.15); Her book 'Financial Times', her writing day and life in Bristol (38.43); Quick Fire round (48.48).

In conversation with Dr Babak Somekh who is a senior economics lecturer at the University of Bristol economics department.We discuss his time in Morgan Stanley in the midst of the dot-com bubble and his colourful academic journey which led him to the University of Bristol. We also talk about his research on inequality (where he worked with Tony Atkinson) focusing particularly on how  poorer people pay more for certain products such as financial services and diving deeper on the history of inequality in the 20th century. We also touch on life as an academic at the University of Bristol. Timestamp: Background and History(1:10); Research interests on inequality(17:45); Life as an Academic(35:20); Quick Fire Round(45:35)