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, Senior Lecturer of Economics at the University of Buckingham.

Events

Public Policy Bootcamp

The Public Policy Bootcamp is an annual, 2.5-day residential programme that brings together early-career professionals working in public policy for an intensive, practical deep-dive into contemporary policy challenges. Dive into global trade, fiscal & monetary policy, public health, national security and climate from a classical-liberal perspective.

Date: 3-5th of June 2026

Apply here

Venue: Vinson Building Auditorium, University of Buckingham. Buckingham.

More detail here

Date(s)
3 June 2026 - 5 June 2026

Vinson Centre Classical Political Economy Conference

We are excited to be holding the Vinson Centre 2026 Classical Political Economy Conference, in collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Governance and Society (King’s College London) on Friday 26 June 2026, and have once again invited academics from the UK and abroad to discuss key topics in Classical Political Economy.

We have eminent speakers presenting in sessions on the following topics:

  • The Legacy of the Chicago School of Economics
  • Market Regulation
  • On Friedman and the Quantity Theory of Money tradition
  • Education and Human Capital

Finishing with a discussion between two esteemed academics on:

  • The methodology of Economics and of Political Economy
Date: 26 June 2026
Time: 10:00 – 19:00
Venue: Vinson Building Auditorium, University of Buckingham, Hunter Street, Buckingham, MK18 1EG.

Register here

Date(s)
26 June 2026

IES Europe & Liberty at Camp Vinson – an induction to Classical Liberalism

For this year’s Camp Vinson, the Vinson Centre, IEA and Institute of International Monetary Research are this year partnering with IES – Europe to offer this residential programme at the Vinson Centre, University of Buckingham. The programme, targeted at undergraduates with an interest in classical liberalism, includes a series of lectures, seminars, debates, discussions, and social activities.

Aimed at: Undergraduate Students with an interest in classical liberalism.

Venue: Enterprise Hub, University of Buckingham.

Dates: 27 July – 31 July 2026

Register here

Date(s)
27 July 2026 - 31 July 2026

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

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.

Call for Papers

We welcome papers for our 2026 Research Workshop that address any of the following topics/areas:

  • Philosophy, Politics and Economics
  • Topics in the Classical Liberal tradition (see the scope of the journal at the Wiley website)

A selection of papers from the workshop will be considered for publication in Economic Affairs, subject to a peer review process.

Submission instructions

All proposals must be submitted using the form on this website by July 31, 2026. For this edition of the workshop, we ask that submissions consist of an extended outline of approximately 1,000–2,000 words.

Submissions must include the extended outline of the research paper, an abstract and a brief V of the author(s). Documents should be attached. Please send the documents in English and pdf format. Submissions that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

If you have any questions about the workshop, or the submission process, please email VinsonCentre@buckingham.ac.uk

Date(s)
10 December 2026 - 12 December 2026

How to find us

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