2010 Young Economist of the Year
For the 2010 essay competition, students were provided with a choice of five essay questions:
- What are the best economic policies to curb alcohol consumption?
- The pursuit of lower income inequality is irrational and counterproductive. Discuss.
- Foreign aid hinders development. Discuss.
- Would the world economy function better with a single global currency?
- How do we prevent house price bubbles in the future?
There were 511 online entries, an increase of 60 (13%) on 2009 with over 200 schools and colleges entering students, with many schools entering the best essays after holding internal competitions. 17 essays made it through the initial judging stage to a final shortlist.
The final stage was judged by RES Council Members Charlie Bean of the Bank of England, Stephanie Flanders, Economics Editor BBC and Richard Blundell as President of the RES who agreed that the best essay was by Jessica Hawley. Her essay "What are the best economic policies to curb alcohol consumption: The Economic Alcoholic" was judged to be a brilliantly constructed essay. Told from the point of view of a recovering alcoholic it presented all of the key policy issues in a lucid and engaging way.
The 2010 Young Economist of the Year is therefore Jessica Hawley of Stratford upon Avon Grammar School for Girls, who will receive a prize of £1,000. Second place Alexander Suchanek (Tiffin Boys School), and third place Sarisher Mann (Highfields Science Specialist School, Wolverhampton) will get £500 each. The prizes were to the winners at the RES Annual Public lecture in London on 2 December.
2010 Young Economist of the Year, Jessica Hawley with RES President, Richard Blundell
Read the full report from the judges.
Read Jessica's winning essay.