The Birmingham Economic Education Seminars (BEES) are a collaboration between Birmingham's three largest universities; Aston University, University of Birmingham, and Birmingham City University. Our seminars aim to provide a diverse and inclusive space for the presentation and discussion of ideas in economics education and aim to provide value to educators both within economics, and in adjacent disciplines which face similar challenges in teaching and learning.
In the interests of promoting inclusion and participation from as wide an audience as possible, we welcome both in-person or remote participation.
To join the BEES mailing list, fill out this form.
Forthcoming events
Wed Jan 14th 2026, 2-4pm: BEES Seminar@Coventry
Mehtap Hisarciklilar and Nikitha Rohith (both Coventry University)
Title: Gendered Barriers in Economics and Finance: Evidence from Student Focus Group Discussions (joint with Lizia de Figueiredo (Federal University of Minas Gerais))
Abstract: The underrepresentation of women in Economics and Finance persists across higher education and the labour market, raising concerns about equity, student experience, and career progression within these disciplines. This study draws on a project undertaken collaboratively by a UK and a Brazilian university, with the aim of examining the barriers, challenges, and anxieties faced by women as they transit from higher education into employment. The research presents evidence from a series of focus group discussions conducted with students across two countries. Transcripts are analysed using thematic analysis, enabling the systematic identification of recurring patterns, shared experiences, and underlying mechanisms influencing women's pathways into work. The analysis highlights the critical role of mentorship and exposure to relatable role models, importance of peer networks, work-life balance considerations and gendered behavioural differences. By applying thematic analysis to multi-stakeholder perspectives, the study contributes to the growing literature on gender inequality in economic education and employability.
This will be followed by two Coventry internal presentations (3-4pm)
Full details, abstracts, and registration here!!
Further ahead, we have the following dates:
Wednesday 11th February 2026, 2-4pm: BEES Seminar@University of Birmingham: Speaker TBC
Title TBC
(registration open soon)
Wednesday 25th February 2026, 1-2pm: BEES Seminar@Warwick: Jana Sadeh (Southampton)
Title: We’re writing what? A meta analysis on economics scholarship.
(registration open soon)
Wednesday 11th March 2026, 1-2pm: BEES Seminar@Warwick: Annika Johnson (Bristol)
Title: The UK Economics Degree in 2026.
(registration open soon)
Wednesday 25th March 2026, 2-4pm: BEES Seminar@BCU: Speaker TBC
Title TBC
(registration open soon)
And even further ahead…
Wednesday 6th May 2026, 1-2pm: BEES Seminar@Warwick: Guglielmo Volpe (City St George’s)
Title: Authentic Assessment in Data Analysis
(registration open soon)
May 2026 (exact date TBC, probably the 20th): BEES Summer Workshop@Aston
More details to follow
