Skip to Content

Carleton Faculty Member Named Canada Research Chair in Next-Gen Economics

Carleton University researcher Thomas Russell has been announced as the university’s newest Canada Research Chair (CRC). His innovative research focuses on developing advanced economic models that can be utilized with limited computing power.

“This new Canada Research Chair is a testament to Carleton University’s research excellence and depth of expertise in emerging and innovative areas,” said Rafik Goubran, vice-president (Research, Innovation and International). “Congratulations to Professor Russell for this well-deserved honour.”

A man wearing a dark suit poses for a photo near several trees.
Carleton University researcher and Canada Research Chair Thomas Russell

Thomas Russell, CRC in Frontiers of Economic Analysis (Tier II)

Economic models help policymakers understand consumer behaviour and market dynamics. Partially identified models are a type of economic models that can be used under weak modelling assumptions, often making them more credible tools for policy analysis. However, the large number of computational resources required to use these models has limited their widespread adoption.

Russell, a researcher in the Department of Economics, is exploring how to approximate partially identified models using a low amount of computing resources. His research will study the computational complexity of existing models before investigating techniques to approximate complex models with simpler surrogate models. This work will make it easier for economists to use credible economic models and will help researchers better understand the trade-off between computational complexity and model accuracy. 

Russell’s research has applications in consumer choice, social networks, and firm competition, and his work will make partially identified models more accessible to researchers and policymakers working in these areas.

Visit Carleton’s Canada Research Chairs webpage to learn more.

What’s Open and Closed: Victoria Day

Carleton University is officially closed on Monday, May 18 and reopens on Tuesday, May 19. Some facilities continue to operate throughout Victoria Day; however, with reduced hours in some cases.   Dining Services  On May ...

Carleton Researcher Named Canada’s 2026 Frontiers Planet Prize National Champion

Carleton University’s engineering researcher Ahmed Abdulla has been named Canada’s 2026 National Champion by the Frontiers Planet Prize for his research on direct air capture, ...

Five Carleton Community Members Named to Ottawa’s 2026 Forty Under 40 List

Five Carleton University community members have been named in Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ) and the Ottawa Board of Trade’s 2026 Forty Under 40 list, the ...