In the Summer of 2020 we were delighted to welcome Dr Ines Vilela as a new Lecturer in the Department of Economics. We sat down with Ines for a chat about her research and joining us at Royal Holloway.

What made you choose Economics at Royal Holloway?

There were three things that I was looking for in a department: high‐quality research that is policy‐oriented, high

teaching standards and a good work environment. The Economics Department at Royal Holloway has it all. So, it really

was the perfect fit for me.

Can you tell us a little about the research you will carry out at RHUL?

I am a Development Economist. My research focuses on the political economy and social networks interactions in

developing countries. Currently, I am studying the determinants to join armed conflict related with muslim radicalisation.

And how different policies (youth‐employment programs, messages of moderate Islam and CBT therapies) can reduce

early‐stages of radicalisation.

What do you think will be the best part of teaching our students?

I have to say I look forward to supervise dissertations both at the undergraduate and at the graduate level. Dissertations

are an amazing opportunity for students to be innovative and original and I am looking forward to guide them through

this process.

What do you do outside of work?

In my spare times, I like to read, cook and eat. Typically, in the company of family and friends - the cooking and

eating, reading not so much!