UKZN Welcomes US Researcher and Lecturer for Collaborative Exchange

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The Macroeconomics Research Unit (MRU), a research initiative within UKZN’s School of Accounting, Economics and Finance (SAEF) recently hosted Professor Maria Gabriella Vivero from the University of Dayton in the United States.

A lecturer in Financial Economics and a renowned researcher in the field, Vivero specialises in market efficiency, asset pricing, and the economics of information.

The aim of the visit was to foster collaboration and explore common interests between the MRU and the Department of Economics and Finance at Dayton University. Economics professor and founding member of the MRU, Professor Harold Ngalawa noted that: ‘We discussed the possibility of student exchange programmes (including, but not limited to, study abroad initiatives); visits by and interchange of staff for research, teaching and hosting of academics on sabbatical; exchange of information including but not limited to exchange of library resources; and research publications.’

Among the topics of discussion were external examination of PhD theses, courses and modules. The scholars also engaged in fruitful conversations on collaborative research, focusing on macroeconomic issues.

‘We agreed that in the interim, we will collaborate on the study of unemployment and income inequalities in South Africa. Through shared expertise and joint research efforts, we can create valuable contributions that address pressing economic challenges,’ said Ngalawa.

He said the visit laid the groundwork for future collaborations that will contribute to advancing knowledge in the field of economics.

Words: Samukelisiwe Cele

Photograph: Supplied