Kate Laffan

Kate’s PhD is jointly based at the Grantham Research Institute and in the Social Policy Department at the LSE. Her thesis will focus on applying behavioural science and subjective well-being economics to climate change mitigation strategies.

Background

After graduating from University College Dublin with a first class hons degree, majoring in Economics, Kate came to the LSE to undertake an MSc in Social Policy. She began working as a research assistant with Professor Paul Dolan, Chair in Behavioural Science, in 2012 and began her PhD under his co-supervision alongside Dr Simon Dietz in 2013.

Research Interests

There are three main themes to Kate’s work. The first uses subjective well-being (SWB) data to value non-market environmental goods. The second looks at within individual spill-overs in behaviour, particularly in relation to pro-environmental behaviours. The third looks at communication networks and public opinion on social media in relation to environmental technology policies.