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

Beloff Conference

The Beloff Conference is a three-day residential programme hosted by the Institute of Economic Affairs in collaboration with the Vinson Centre for the Public Understanding of Economics and Entrepreneurship, taking place from 14–16 September 2026 at the University of Buckingham. Aimed at final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in economics, public policy, and/or international relations, this year’s conference will explore migration through perspectives including economics, history, philosophy, political science, and international relations. The fully funded programme offers participants the chance to engage with leading classical liberal academics and discuss topics ranging from welfare and diasporas to the history of economic thought, with only 15 places available.

Aimed at: Senior Undergraduate Students or Postgraduate Students
Venue: The Vinson Centre, University of Buckingham.
Dates: 14th to the 16th of September 2026

Apply here

Date(s)
14 September 2026 - 16 September 2026

Vinson Centre Seminar: The Unanchored Central Banker

Join us to hear more from Dr Goodhart and Dr Pradhan on this topic, with the opportunity for discussion.

Date: 21 September 2026
Time: 13:00 – 14:30
Venue: Institute of Economic Affairs, 2 Lord North Street, Westminster, SW1P 3LB. London.

We’re delighted to welcome Dr Goodhart CBE and Dr Pradhan to discuss their new book, ‘The Unanchored Central Banker.’

Their first book, ‘The Great Demographic Reversal’, warned about problems that would arise when the demographic sweet spot turned sour. They stated that interest rates, both real and nominal, and inflation would then reach a higher-for-longer steady state, and this has occurred. But this demographic development, combined with a number of adverse supply shocks and a political reaction against immigration, has helped to accelerate fiscal deterioration at a much faster pace than we earlier expected. With the need for greater defence expenditure and enhanced worries about climate change, the fiscal position on present policies has become unsustainable. Although technically it would be perfectly feasible to cut public sector expenditures and raise taxation to restore fiscal stability, it would be politically almost impossible to do so in our present democracies.

As a result, fiscal dominance will mean that central banks (through little fault of their own) will be forced to choose a balance between fighting inflation and avoiding fiscal/financial instability, without achieving either objective completely.

Please come and join us for what will be a really interesting seminar.

Register here

Date(s)
21 September 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 session 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