Prof. Shorrocks, a national of the United Kingom, is currently a Visiting Professor at New Economic School in Moscow and Research Professor at the University of Essex (UK). Previously, he was a Lecturer and Reader in Economics at the London School of Economics (1972-83), Professor of Economics at the University of Essex (1983-97), Chairman of the Economic Department at the University of Essex (1986-88) and Director of Economic Research for the British Household Panel Study (1990-93).

Prof. Shorrocks' research has focused on methods for measuring and analyzing inequality, poverty, income mobility and living standards. He has published three books and numerous papers on these topics in international economic journals, including Econometrica, Review of Economic Studies, Economic Journal and Economica. More recently, he has been working on the social problems facing Russia in the post-reform era.

Prof. Shorrocks holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Sussex and an M.A. in Economics from Brown University. He received his Ph.D. in Economics from the London School of Economics in 1973, and his thesis was awarded the Bowley Prize in 1975.

UNU/WIDER, based in Helsinki, Finland, is a UNU research and training centre dedicated to the study of major global economic processes for the purpose of fostering improvements in human life and society. Its ultimate purpose is to help developing countries form sound economic policies that will lead to robust, equitable and environmentally sustainable growth. As UNU/WIDER Director, Prof. Shorrocks will oversee a resident research staff of some 15 senior researchers and visiting fellows, several Ph.D. interns and a 14-member support staff.

More information about UNU/WIDER is available online at http://www.wider.unu.edu/.