Leading labour economists from across the UK and beyond gathered at the University of Aberdeen Business School for a conference to honour Professor Robert Elliott, whose ground-breaking research in labour market pay is internationally renowned.
As well as being active in the Scottish Economic Society, where he served as Secretary and President, Professor Elliot was instrumental in setting up the Scottish Doctoral Programme in Economics, a postgraduate MSc and PhD programme shared across the Economics Departments in Scottish universities.
He also served on both the Police and Teacher Pay Review Bodies and was an Independent Commissioner for the Low Pay Commission for eight years.
The conference - ‘New Research in Pay Determination’ – was organised by the University’s Department of Economics and Centre for European Labour Market Research and attended by a distinguished group of labour economists from across the UK and the US.
Commenting on the legacy of Professor Elliott’s research, Professor Keith Bender, SIRE Professor of Economics at the Business School, said:
“It is very clear when you look at his research output and engagement with industry and government that a guiding principal in Bob’s work is applicability.
“His research focuses on observing how the ‘real world’ operates and then to explain it using economics. His engagement with practitioners takes his research out of the ivory tower and puts it squarely into practice.”
Professor David McCausland, Head of Economics, also paid tribute to Professor Elliot’s career.
“Bob’s contribution to the ethos of the department over the years has been immense, and his engagement with policy makers and the sheer impact of his research is a model of professional practice. It was a pleasure to contribute to the organisation of such a fitting tribute to his career.”
Professor Elliott added: “I’d like to thank all those at the University of Aberdeen Business School who helped organise this conference, as well as those who travelled from further afield to participate.
“I was rather overwhelmed and humbled by the whole thing, and it is very greatly appreciated.”