American economist and economic historian
Martha Bailey is a Professor of Economics at the University of California (UCLA). She also works at the prestigious National Bureau of Economic Research. Professor Bailey is one of today's leading economic historians and economists, working at the intersection of labour markets, demography, health and inequality. Her research focuses on key issues in labour economics, demography and health in the US from a long-term historical perspective. Bailey’s work includes the impact of the diffusion of modern contraception on women's childbearing, career decisions and the gender wage gap. Her research on the positive economic effects of contraception has influenced the debate on health care and fair wages in the US, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. In her latest project, Bailey examines both the short- and long-term effects of the so-called Great Society programmes, introduced under Lyndon B. Johnson.
Marta Bailey has on several occasions given presentations at seminars at the Centre for Economic Demography at Lund University and shared her knowledge and experience with researchers and PhD students at LUSEM. She has invited researchers from the faculty to present their research at UCLA and the University of Michigan. Her achievements correspond well with LUSEM’s criteria for honorary doctorates: good and broad scientific achievements, high profile in the international research community, and long-term, ongoing and multifaceted contact and exchange with the faculty.
First Deputy Governor of the Swedish Riksbank
Anna Breman is currently a member of the Executive Board of the Swedish Riksbank and First Deputy Governor. She took office as Deputy Governor on 1 December 2019 for a term of six years. As of 2 September 2022, she was appointed First Deputy Governor, with a term of office until 30 November 2025.
After obtaining a PhD in economics from the Stockholm School of Economics in 2006, Anna Breman was most recently Chief Economist and Global Head of Macro Research at Swedbank. She has also worked for the World Bank, as a counsellor at the Swedish Ministry of Finance, and as a teacher and researcher on the tenure track at the University of Arizona.
Anna Breman is a good representative of economic science in the public sphere, according to the LUSEM nomination. She has demonstrated a good ability to translate economic theory into practical policy in difficult economic situations and has also contributed to the development of the monetary policy discussion by introducing new aspects, such as the climate issue. Her career spans research, leadership and policy work, demonstrating a rare versatility and serving as an inspiring example for both students and staff at LUSEM. Anna Breman has engaged in the public discourse on economic policy issues through active dialogue with students and practitioners during visits to LUSEM.
Martha Bailey and Anna Breman will both attend the doctoral ceremony in Lund on 31 May 2024.