Associate Professor Wendun Wang of Erasmus School of Economics has secured a solid ninth place in the Dutch ESB Top 25, that ranks lecturers and associate professors, who have distinguished themselves through their research in economics at Dutch universities.
Historically focusing on professors, in the 2024 Economists Parade by ‘Economisch Statistische Berichten’ (ESB), the editors have shifted its spotlight to lecturers and associate professors. Using data from the Web of Science database (2019–2023), the analysis measured publication impact based on the Article Influence Score (AIS) of journals in the Tinbergen and ERIM lists, weighted for co-authorship. The Top 25 is completed with two other associate professors from Erasmus School of Economics: Matthijs Korevaar (12) and Niels Rietveld (22).
International economists lead ranking
Nearly two-thirds of the best-publishing university lecturers and associate professors in economics at Dutch universities have non-Dutch backgrounds. According to ESB, this trend highlights the increasing internationalisation of economics research in the Netherlands while presenting challenges for policymakers aiming to promote the Dutch language in higher education.
Women underrepresented but progressing
While the list predominantly features male academics, three women have secured positions among the top 25, a slight improvement over past trend. A notable figure is former Assistant Professor at Erasmus School of Economics, Ana Figueiredo. She garnered significant recognition for her labour market research, including a prestigious Veni grant from the Dutch Research Council.
Challenges for gender and language balance
The ranking underlines persistent gender imbalances in the economics discipline, emphasising the need for greater diversity. Moreover, the prominence of international scholars raises questions about the feasibility of the Dutch government’s new “Internationalisation in balance” policy, which aims to make Dutch the standard language in universities.
As these talented academics continue to shape the future of economics, the list not only reflects individual achievements but also underscores the dynamic and international character of Dutch economic research. However, it also serves as a reminder of the systemic challenges the discipline faces in achieving both gender and cultural balance.
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For more information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media & Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Economics, rdegroot@ese.eur.nl, mobile: +31 6 53 641 846.
