This year, the Fraser of Allander Institute turns 50! 🎉
After kicking off 2025 with plenty of discussions on economic and fiscal challenges, we’re shifting gears to share some exciting news. We have a year full of celebrations, reflections, and special events lined up to mark this incredible milestone!
Founded in 1975, the FAI has grown into a powerful voice in Scottish and UK economics. Now, five decades later, we’re honouring our legacy with a dynamic programme of events and themed outputs throughout the year, showcasing our history, impact, and future direction.
I have had the privilege to be the Institute’s Director since 2021, after joining in 2019 as the Deputy Director. In some ways, taking over such an established, respected institute makes my job easier: the reputation of our work and expertise allows our voice to be heard. In other ways, it is a huge pressure: our reputation is so precious, and must be continually nurtured, ensuring an ongoing pipeline of excellent and impactful research to help bring insight to key policy issues.
In my role, I have met amazing people from across Government, Business and the third sector, and we have worked with a diverse range of funders and partners to deliver our research. Part of the University of Strathclyde, we have been able to grow the team over the last 5 years to increase our impact. The Institute is nothing without its amazing team, whose energy, enthusiasm and excellence in their work never ceases to amaze me.
The events this year are part of us ensuring that we continue to make an impact… for at least the next 50 years! And, of course, for us all to celebrate!
What’s in store for our 50th Anniversary?
🔹 Exploring Our Legacy: Research and outputs on the history of the FAI—why we were founded, how we’ve evolved, and the impact we’ve made.
🔹 Economic History Unpacked: A series of reports and podcasts diving into the economic landscape that shaped the FAI, and how our research has influenced the conversation.
🔹 Flagship 50th Anniversary Applied Economics Conference: Join us in September 2025 for a special two-day conference, bringing together leading economists, policymakers, and researchers.
🔹 Autumn Lecture Series: Thought-provoking discussions reflecting on the work of the institute and today’s economic and fiscal challenges.
🔹 Celebratory Receptions in Edinburgh & London: A chance for politicians, policymakers, analysts, and supporters to come together and mark 50 years of impact.
…And more exciting plans still in the works! Got an idea for a celebratory partnership? We’d love to hear from you! Email fraser50@strath.ac.uk.
Calling All FAI-ers!
While today’s FAI team keeps the momentum going, we know we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Over the past 50 years, countless individuals have contributed to the institute’s success—and we want to bring you all together to celebrate!
If you’ve worked with the FAI at any point in your career and would like to be part of our events for former contributors, please email fraser50@strath.ac.uk with “FORMER FAI” in the subject line. We’d love to reconnect and celebrate with you!
Here’s to 50 years of insight, impact, and influence—let’s make 2025 a year to remember!
Authors
Mairi is the Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute. Previously, she was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish Fiscal Commission and the Head of National Accounts at the Scottish Government and has over a decade of experience working in different areas of statistics and analysis.