Adelaidean (Winter 2015 edition) | Page 9

PHOTO Professor Paul Kerin It all started with his undergraduate (1982) and Masters degrees (1985) at the University, and now Professor Kerin is back to ensure the economists of the future have the great opportunities he had. “The University of Adelaide has a proud tradition in economics,” he says, pointing to the way Adelaide economists have long influenced government and industry. “When I was an undergraduate, there was a strong public policy emphasis.” He nominates Geoff Harcourt as especially influential. Professor Harcourt, who taught at the University for close to 25 years, focused on post-Keynesian economics and public policy – the University created a visiting professorship in his honour. Other notable Adelaide economics achievers include Professor Bruce Chapman AO and Professor Jonathan Pincus, both honoured in July with Distinguished Fellow Awards from