The Department of Economics’ doctoral studies programme provides students with advanced training in economic theory and analytical methods. Through coursework, seminar participation and supervised research, doctoral students develop the skills needed to conduct theoretical and empirical research at the highest level.
This year’s four new PhD students started their studies. While they share an interest in economics and research, their paths to the doctoral programme have been quite different.
Embla Grandin
For Embla Grandin, Lund was a natural choice for doctoral studies. Born in Stockholm and raised in Lund, she has also lived in Malmö for the past eight years.
“I was born in Stockholm, grew up in Lund, and moved to Malmö about eight years ago. Lund was therefore the obvious choice for pursuing my PhD studies,” she says.
Embla completed her master’s degree in economics at Lund University in spring 2026, following a bachelor’s degree in economics through the Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme. Before turning to economics, she studied classical music composition and conducting in Malmö and Helsingborg. Outside research, she enjoys a wide range of creative and physical activities. “I spend most of my free time painting, doing crafts, playing music, and climbing!”
Ambra Boilini
Ambra Boilini comes to Lund from central Italy. She previously completed a master’s degree in finance and economics at LUSEM and then moved into applied economics to gain professional experience.
“I felt like I would benefit from more time for independent research and deeper learning, which led me back to pursue a PhD in Lund,” she explains.
Before returning to Lund, Ambra worked at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, where she gained insights into how institutions approach economic policy. Outside academia, she follows current affairs, with a particular interest in climate change, and volunteers with climate-focused organisations. She is also a keen film enthusiast, particularly when it comes to French cinema.
If she could invite anyone, living or dead, to dinner, she would choose Italian astrophysicist and science communicator Margherita Hack.
“I have great admiration for researchers in astrophysics and astronomy. But especially her for being a pioneering feminist and freethinker in an era when that wasn't easy.”
Erik Björk
Erik Björk is from Svedala, around 30 km from Lund. He initially chose Lund University for geographical reasons, but says that the quality of education and research, together with the ambitious working environment, convinced him to stay. Erik completed his master’s degree in economics at LUSEM before beginning his PhD. His experiences before graduate studies include military service, working in customer service at a bank, and being active in the student union LundaEkonomerna.
When he is not working on research, Erik likes to spend time outdoors, whether running, hiking or playing golf. He also enjoys reading novels and spending time with friends and family.
And when asked who he would invite to dinner, his answer was close to home: “I would like to have dinner with Torben Haferkamp to get to know my office mate better.”
Torben Haferkamp
Torben Haferkamp joins the department from Germany. His interest in applied microeconomics and econometrics drew him to Lund, particularly because of the combination of Scandinavian data and the department’s research environment.
“I was drawn to Lund by the combination of excellent Scandinavian data and the strong research environment here,” he says.
Before starting his PhD, Torben completed a master’s degree in economics at the University of Bonn and worked with the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), where he conducted research on sovereign debt. In his free time, Torben enjoys sports, particularly running and cycling, and spending time outdoors. Ideally, he says, that means heading somewhere remote with a tent.
When asked who he would invite to dinner, Torben’s choice was equally close to home. His answer? His office mate Erik.
“I enjoy his company, and he's conveniently located one desk away.”
Welcome to the Department
With backgrounds ranging from economics and finance to central banking and even classical music, the four new doctoral students bring diverse experiences to the Department of Economics.
We are pleased to welcome Embla, Erik, Ambra and Torben to the department and look forward to following their research and academic journeys in the years ahead.
