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

How to find us

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