Economic History and the History of Economic Thought Network UWA

The Economic History and the History of Economic Thought Network at UWA promotes interdisciplinary research in economic and business history, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Its mission is to analyse historical economic phenomena to enhance our knowledge of the evolution and context of economic and social ideas, on the one hand, and to inform current policy and address issues of wealth, growth, economic and financial crises, and fairness, on the other. The Network brings together UWA scholars from various fields - such as economics, history, and political science - and enhances the curriculum by integrating historical perspectives into programs like the Bachelor of Economics and Master of Public Policy. It also supports emerging researchers, shaping a well-rounded understanding of social sciences at UWA.

Seminars, Conferences and Symposia

Upcoming Events

2025 HETSA Conference

We are pleased to announce that the 2025 HETSA Conference will be held from 16th July to 18th July 2025. We are now calling for papers relating to any aspect of the history of economic thought broadly considered. 

Contributions are especially welcome from students and we are very open to contributions from scholars whose primary discipline is not the history of economic thought (such as, history of science, history of philosophy and political economy) whose work is relevant to issues in our field. 

Details pertaining to registration, accommodation options, and other aspects of the event will be communicated shortly. There will be a dedicated conference website which will go live shortly. All abstracts and proposals for sessions should be submitted via email by 1st May 2025 and all full papers by 15th June 2025 to David Gilchrist ([email protected]) or Riko Stevens ([email protected]). 

For more information or for network dissemination, please refer to the document below. 

Call for Papers Flyer 


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Past Events

Head to our YouTube channel to view full recordings of previous events, including the Western Australia Economic History Summit and Asia Pacific Economic and Business History Conference. 

 

2023

Sentiment, Action and Utility: Vilfredo Pareto's Sociologia in Relation to Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments (Michael McLure UWA)

The Life and Times of Colin Clark (Alex Millmow Federation University Australia)

 

2022

Keynes and Ramsey on Probability: Problems (Remediable and Irremediable) and Implications for Social Science (August 2022, Rod O'Donnell)

The Language of Pluralism from the History of the Theory of Price Determination: Natural Price, Equilibrium Price and Administered Price (Harry Bloch Curtin University)

The Speculator and Equilibrium: A Comparative Study of Pareto and Pigou (Michael McLure UWA and Riko Stevens UWA and University of Notre Dame Australia)

Monopoly Power and Competition from the Italian Marginalists' Perspective (Manuela Mosca Università del Salento)

 

2021

The Moral Sciences Tripos and Cambridge Political Economy (Keith Tribe University of Tartu)

The Theory of International Trade: A History (Paul Oslington, Alphacrucis College)

 

Scholars and Related Research Entities

Convenor
Professor David Gilchrist
University of Western Australia Scholars
National and International Scholars
Institutions
HETSA Members

WA Economic History Data Project

Historic economic and demographic data for Western Australia, established as the Swan River Colony in 1829, is held in a range of locations and formats. This guide introduces sources and links to locations or online access, where available.

More Information

Blue Book Digitisation Project

The Digitisation of Blue Books project involves converting historical records known as "Blue Books" into digital formats, making them accessible for research and public use. Blue Books, typically annual colonial government reports, contain valuable data on economic, social, and political aspects of colonial territories, including demographics, trade, education, and health statistics. By digitizing these documents, the project preserves fragile original materials and facilitates easier analysis of historical trends. This digital archive enables scholars, students, and the general public to explore colonial history, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of global heritage.
National Archives UK

Swan River Colony 

SROWA

 PhD Opportunities

PhD research programs that can be supervised by members of the EHHET Research Network include the history and philosophy of: anthropology and sociology, economics, finance and public finance, political science and international relations, and Japanese social and political thought and movements.

Information about Applying