Alex Edmans appointed to ESRC Council

Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School, has been appointed to the Council of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), as part of a cohort of five distinguished new members announced today.

Edmans is internationally recognised for his research in corporate finance, responsible business and behavioural finance. His work explores how companies can create long-term value for both shareholders and society, and he is widely known for his influential public engagement, including best-selling books and contributions to global policy and investment debates. Alongside his academic leadership at London Business School, he brings extensive experience spanning academia, business and investment governance.

The ESRC, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s leading funder of research on economic and social issues. It supports independent, high-quality research that informs policy, strengthens public services and helps address major societal challenges, from economic growth to inequality and public trust. The Council is equivalent to the ESRC’s board and provides governance, advice, and guidance on the ESRC’s strategy.

Edmans joins a group of newly appointed Council members drawn from across academia, public policy, technology and business. They include Christina Boswell, Professor of Politics at the University of Edinburgh and an authority on the role of research and expertise in policymaking; Alexandra Freeman, Principal of Hertford College, Oxford and a crossbench peer in the House of Lords known for her work on evidence and public communication; Laura Gilbert, Senior Director of AI at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and a pioneer in applying data science to public policy; and Kelly Beaver, Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland and a leading voice on public opinion and societal change.

Announcing the appointments, Stian Westlake, Executive Chair of the ESRC, welcomed the new members and highlighted the breadth of expertise they bring to the Council’s work in advancing excellent social science and its impact on the world.

Edmans’ appointment reinforces London Business School’s contribution to global research and policy engagement, particularly in areas at the intersection of finance, responsibility and long-term value creation.