for the public understanding of economics and entrepreneurship

The Vinson centre is a space for research and knowledge exchange at the University of Buckingham where individuals and teams come together to pursue exciting projects in novel ways.

Who we are

We are the home of Classical Liberalism in the United Kingdom.

We work with students and scholars of economics of all ages on events and outreach to promote a wider understanding of how markets and entrepreneurship promote welfare. We do this through events, programmes, publications and multi-media. We welcome collaboration with schools, colleges, universities, think tanks and individuals.

We challenge received wisdom and rethink economics and entrepreneurship as a single subject furthering our understanding and pursuit of trade and enterprise in a free society.

The Vinson Centre

The initiative and its programmes were made possible as a result of the kind support of Lord Vinson of Roddam Dene. On launching the centre, Lord Vinson commented: “Overwhelmingly the facts pointed to Buckingham as the place to choose if you want to advance entrepreneurialism – manifested, not least, by being the first university to offer two-year courses and its uniquely sound thinking on liberal economics. Both Buckingham and I have been closely associated with the IEA, and I and my Trustees wanted to cement the relationship. As an entrepreneur I have been exceptionally fortunate in life. I also wanted to foster the qualities that create new businesses, because they are the foundation of the prosperity of any nation.”

The Director of the Centre is Juan Castañeda, Professor of Economics at the University of Buckingham.

Events

Vinson Centre Seminar: The Artificial Intelligence Revolution

Date: 15 October 2026
Time: 18:30 – 20:30
Venue: Institute of Economic Affairs, 2 Lord North Street, Westminster, SW1P 3LB. London.
We’re delighted to welcome Max Rangeley and Lord Fairfax to discuss their new book, ‘The Unanchored Central Banker.’

Max Rangeley and Lord Fairfax recently co-edited the seminal volume ‘The Artificial Intelligence Revolution’; this book contains chapters from many of the top experts in the world, from the most senior AI person at the United Nations, to political figures working on AI policy, and military and legal experts.

The book is designed for teaching in universities around the world and is the most comprehensive academic volume on AI policy today.

Both Max and Lord Fairfax are donating all royalties to AI safety causes.

Join us for what promises to be a hugely interesting discussion on this subject.

Register here

Date(s)
15 October 2026

Entrepreneurial Minds: Hosted by Lord Kamall

A Conversation with Peter Higgins
Co-founder of Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts and a Director of ‘Mary’s Meals’.

Date: Thursday 22 October
Time: 18:30 – 20:30
Venue: Institute of Economic Affairs, 2 Lord Street, Westminster, London. SW1P 3LB

Peter Higgins helped found Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts in 1990. Charles Tyrwhitt is the number one provider of Jermyn Street quality shirts worldwide. The brand is a multi-channel retailer and has significant market share in the UK, USA and Germany.

He was also Chair of the women’s fashion brand ME+EM and Chair of Cath Kidston.

Peter is also a Director of Mary’s Meals, a charity providing meals to more than 3 million children throughout Africa and other nations, every day they attend school.

Join us for what will be a really interesting discussion.

Register here

Date(s)
22 October 2026

‘The Austrian School of Economics in one day’

Date: Thursday 29 October, 2026
Time: 10:00 – 18:45
Venue: Seminar Room VB 5&6 , Vinson Building (1st floor), University of Buckingham.

During this day, Professor Thorsten Polleit will lead a variety of sessions to familiarise you with the ‘Austrian School of Economics’, its representative and their contributions, and demonstrate their influence on modern economics.

To join us for what will be a really interesting day, please click the following registration link.

Register here

Date(s)
29 October 2026

November Conference, in conjunction with IIMR On Keynes’ General Theory at the 90th Anniversary

Date: Thursday 12 November, 2026
Time: 10:00-18:00
Venue: Enterprise Hub, Vinson Building (1st floor), University of Buckingham.

Join us for a day of interesting presentations from eminent academics and professionals.

To attend, please click the following registration link.

Register here

Date(s)
12 November 2026

November Policy Conference On ‘Mass Flourishing: Morality, Ethics and Markets’

In collaboration with the IEA and CEME

CEME and IEA logos

Date: 13th November, 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:30
Venue: Vinson Building, University of Buckingham

The theme of the conference is ‘Mass Flourishing: Morality, Ethics and Markets’, with inspiration taken from the work of Professor Ed Phelps. Join us here in Buckingham for a day of discussion on mass flourishing in a free and virtuous society with a variety of esteemed academics.

To reserve a place, please click the following registration link.

Register here

Date(s)
13 November 2026

2026 Economic Affairs Workshop

Venue: The University of Buckingham, Vinson Building, Hunter Street, Buckingham, MK18 1EG.
Date: 10-12 December 2026
Costs: Acceptance to the event includes registration and meal costs. A limited number of accommodation stipends are available—please apply using the form. Participants should be prepared to cover their own transport costs.

Applications have now closed. For further information, please see the dedicated section of our website here.

Date(s)
10 December 2026 - 12 December 2026

Dr Antonio Nogueira
“My time as part of the 2026 Visiting Scholar Programme at the Vinson Centre (University of Buckingham) has been an intellectually enriching experience, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with the foundational sources of Classical Liberalism.”
Read more >>

Contact us

VinsonCentre@buckingham.ac.uk

How to find us

The Vinson Building
University of Buckingham
Hunter Street
Buckingham
MK18 1EG UK

Some of our programmes and projects

Professional Doctorate in Public Policy and Political Economy (by Distance Learning)

MA Political Economy (by Research) by (Distance Learning)

MA Money, Governments and Central Banks (by Research) (by Distance Learning)

MA Education Policy and Leadership (by Research) (by Distance Learning)

Money, Inflation and Monetarism (Short course) (by Distance Learning)

University of Buckingham Economics Programmes

Visiting scholars programme

Low Cost Private Schools – research and training

Initiative for African Trade and Prosperity

News