7th World Bank/ODI Global/IFS Public Finance Conference

We are pleased to announce the 7th World Bank/ODI Global/IFS Public Finance Conference, taking place in London, UK, on September 25-26, 2025. This annual conference brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss cutting-edge research on public finance of relevance for low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs).

We primarily focus on research related to L&MICs but also welcome relevant studies from high-income contexts. We invite submissions across all areas of public finance, including:

• Tax Policy and Administration 
• Subsidies and Compensation/Wage Bill Reforms 
• Political Economy of Fiscal Reforms 
• Public Financial Management, Public Goods Provision, and Procurement 
• Cash Transfers, Social Protection and other Poverty Alleviation, and Inequality Reduction Programs 

Keynote Address

We are pleased to feature the following keynote presentations: 

• Tim Besley, School Professor of Economics and Political Science and W. Arthur Lewis Professor of Development Economics at the London School of Economics.
• Annette Alstadsæter, Professor at the School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences. 

Format

The conference will take place in person in London, UK, with streaming available for non-presenting attendees. Presenters are expected to attend in person. The organizers will arrange economy-class travel for invited presenters.