In her lecture, Professor Carol Newman demonstrated how rigorous, policy-engaged research, grounded in robust empirical evidence, serves as a critical tool for navigating geopolitical fragmentation and aid cuts. Drawing on field experiments and firm-level analyses from sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, she examined how targeted interventions, coupled with evidence-based policies to improve firm productivity, job creation and stimulate economic growth, can contribute to inclusive and sustainable development. 

She presented findings from studies on firm productivity and trade integration, as well as from randomised controlled trials addressing agricultural information gaps, behavioural training for workers, and economic inclusion for refugees and vulnerable women. 

Professor Newman argued not only for better-targeted policies, but for embedding a culture of evidence in the development process. In a world of rising constraints and contested priorities, sustainable development depends on the ability to test, adapt, and scale effective interventions, and on grounding policy frameworks in robust evidence. 

The event was chaired by Carmel O'Sullivan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and was attended by Provost Linda Doyle, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy Paul O'Grady and Head of the Department of Economics Agustín Bénétrix.