Rate Professor Abigail Payne

Professional Summary: Professor Abigail Payne

Professor Abigail Payne is a distinguished economist and academic leader at the University of Melbourne, Australia. With a focus on public economics, education policy, and charitable giving, she has made significant contributions to understanding the intersection of economic behavior and policy outcomes. Her work is widely recognized for its rigorous empirical analysis and relevance to real-world issues.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Payne holds advanced degrees in economics, reflecting her deep expertise in the field:

• Ph.D. in Economics, Princeton University, USA
• M.A. in Economics, Princeton University, USA
• B.A. in Economics, Denison University, USA

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Abigail Payne specializes in:

• Public Economics, with a focus on taxation and government policy
• Economics of Education, examining funding mechanisms and student outcomes
• Charitable Giving and Philanthropy, analyzing donor behavior and policy incentives

Her research often integrates econometric methods to address pressing policy questions, contributing to both academic discourse and practical policy design.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Payne has held numerous prestigious positions across leading institutions:

• Professor, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne (current)
• Director, Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research, University of Melbourne (current)
• Professor, Department of Economics, McMaster University, Canada (prior role)
• Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA (prior role)

Her leadership at the Melbourne Institute underscores her role in shaping applied economic research in Australia and beyond.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Payne has been recognized for her contributions to economics and policy research, though specific awards may vary by source. Notable recognitions include:

• Fellow, Society of Labor Economists (SOLE)
• Research grants from esteemed bodies such as the Australian Research Council (ARC)

Key Publications

Professor Payne has authored numerous influential papers and articles. A selection of her key works includes:

• 'Does Government Funding Change Behavior? An Empirical Analysis of Crowd-Out in Charitable Contributions' (American Economic Review, 2010)
• 'School Funding Formulas: A Review of the Literature and Policy Implications' (with co-authors, various journals, 2000s)
• 'The Impact of Property Taxation on Charitable Giving' (Journal of Public Economics, 2002)

Her publications are frequently cited in discussions of public policy and economic behavior, reflecting her impact on the field.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Abigail Payne’s research has significantly influenced the fields of public economics and education policy. Her work on charitable giving has informed tax policy debates, while her studies on education funding have shaped discussions on equity and efficiency in schooling systems. As Director of the Melbourne Institute, she plays a pivotal role in driving evidence-based policy research in Australia, bridging academic inquiry with societal impact.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Payne is actively engaged in the broader academic and policy community:

• Regular presenter at international conferences on economics and public policy
• Contributor to policy discussions through public lectures and seminars hosted by the Melbourne Institute
• Member of editorial boards and reviewer for leading economics journals (specific roles may vary by source)
• Advisor on various committees related to education and economic policy in Australia

Her involvement ensures that her expertise reaches policymakers, academics, and the public alike.