Visiting Scholars Programme (Vinson Centre, University of Buckingham)
We welcome visiting scholars who wish to undertake research at the Vinson Centre (University of Buckingham) for 4 – 6 weeks. We have a superb history of economic thought library (the Hayek Library) which visiting scholars can use for the duration of their stay. The ‘Hayek Library’ comprises several personal collections of books, pamphlets and journals in the Classical Liberal tradition in economics, methodology and political theory; including collections from E. G. West, M. Blaug, R. Roberts, M. Beloff, N. Barry and R. Harris, as well as volumes from the Institute of Economic Affairs’ historical catalogue. You may wish to consider a period as a visiting scholar if you are working on a book or other publication and you are willing to make a presentation to our staff and network at the end of your stay. Please, contact the Director of the Vinson Centre, Juan Castaneda, if you would like to become a visiting scholar or had any query on this programme.
We welcome applications in any area in Classical Liberal Economics, but in particular in the following topics/fields: History of Economic Thought, History of Ideas, Money and the Government, Government spending/taxation, Regulation. Free Trade and Economic Growth, Alternatives to State Education.
Duration: 4-6 weeks
Location: Vinson Centre (University of Buckingham). Buckingham (Hunter Street campus, MK18 1EG). UK.
Accommodation will be provided in campus at no cost. Stipend available for travel costs within the UK.
No payment will be made by the Centre.
Email for enquiries/applications: juan.castaneda@buckingham.ac.uk
Visiting Scholar
Francis Vorhies
Dr Francis Vorhies is conservation economist. He is the founding Director of the African Wildlife Economy Institute at Stellenbosch University and a Research Associate with the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit of the University of Oxford. Past positions include Academic Director of the African Leadership University’s School of Wildlife Conservation in Kigali, CEO of the Earthwatch Institute in Oxford, first Chief Economist at the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Geneva, and first resource economist at the African Wildlife Foundation in Nairobi. Dr Vorhies has a PhD in Economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder where he wrote his doctoral thesis on the monetary theories of Karl Marx and Ludwig von Mises. As a Visiting Scholar at the Vinson Centre at the University of Buckingham, Dr Vorhies is researching the place of wildlife in economic thought, revising his doctoral research into a monograph, and conceptualising an initiative under the Centre on the wildlife-based economy.
Previous Visiting Scholars
Virginia Anastasia Fournari
“The completion of my postdoctoral research coincided with the beginning of a new chapter in my academic career, as I transitioned to the role of Visiting Scholar at the Vinson Centre. This serendipitous alignment proved to be a source of inspiration for me. My research at the Vinson Centre focused on the role of banking organizations in the formation of states and the evolution of ideas linking these two complex issues. My research expanded upon the neglected work of notable scholars such as Hayek and Robbins, including the pioneering economist Vera Smith. This research has led me to explore the extension of classical liberal ideas and their long-term connection to banking in state formation and public revenue generation. My findings in the evolving international environment gained new momentum relative to my previous research path. The Vinson Centre’s research resources further solidified my position on the value of interdisciplinarity and the power of the liberal spirit in the rise of classical principles of political economy for an unknown future. I am particularly grateful for the intellectual support I received from the Centre’s administrators and fellow researchers in the library, seminar, and during our extensive discussions. I hope that other young scholars will benefit from my experience as a Vinson Centre Visiting Scholar.”
Tamas Dusek
“Being a Visiting Scholar at the Vinson Centre has been a great opportunity for me to make a huge and high-intensity progress forward in my long-term research projects related to the history of economic thought. Buckingham and its neighbourhood are a very welcoming area, nurturing strong local and national traditions. In my field of research, the book that is devalued or overlooked by scientometrics is the most important, valuable and in-depth scientific product. An impressive collection of books on the history and methodology of economic thought is available in the Hayek library and the Mark Blaug collection. I have also benefited greatly from consultations in the friendly atmosphere of the Vinson Centre and from participation in various events.”
Alexander Jelloian
“I was truly blessed to be a Visiting Scholar at the Vinson Centre. First, the ability to work on a specific project for an extended period in the Hayek Library is a fantastic place to work for classical liberals. Second, getting to interact with Vinson Centre staff and interns about the projects that are operating there led to great conversations and made me encouraged about the future of the liberty movement. Finally, Buckingham is a wonderful place. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in the English countryside and got to enjoy the scenic beauty of the town and the surrounding area.”
Thomas Baumert
“What an inspiring experience my stay at the Vinston Centre has been! I would describe it as a haven of calmness that favours concentrated work and boosts scientific productivity, as you are surrounded by outstanding scholars always willing to share their thoughts and trigger new ideas. Both the Hayek library and the Mark Blaug collection provide excellent bibliographic funds from which to draw new (or refresh old) ideas. First thing in the morning I would browse through some of the volumes in the collections and take notes, which I would then discuss with Professor Castañeda — you could hardly ask for a more brilliant interlocutor. Staying at the Vinson Centre means a unique opportunity — I would dare to say a true privilege — to any researcher interested in the free market and in the Classical Liberal Tradition.”
Max R. P Grossmann
“My stay at the Vinson Centre gave me time and freedom to reflect about my research. I had many valuable exchanges with staff members about their work and I can attest to their valiant efforts to further classically liberal ideas from this beautiful part of England. Near the end of my stay, I was kindly permitted to give a talk about paternalism and political economy. I am grateful for the Vinson Centre’s resources such as the Hayek Library as well as the many conversations I had there with others. I highly recommend a stay at the Vinson Centre to economists working in the classical liberal tradition seeking to work on their projects.”
Dr Rogério Arthmar
“I did greatly benefit from its warm academic environment, friendly colleagues, and exceptional infrastructure … both professional economists and young scholars … will surely feel themselves at home at the Vinson Centre.”
