On Friday 17 May 2024, at the Valletta Campus, the Department of Economics of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, University of Malta, organised the conference “Evaluating Microsimulation for Policy Analysis.”

The Conference focused on static and dynamic microsimulation modelling.

Microsimulation is used to study the effects of tax and benefit policies at a point in time or over time and facilitates projections of various socio-economic and demographic indicators, such as population, employment rates, labour market transitions, educational attainment, and health outcomes.

The Conference was addressed by the Director of the Centre for Microsimulation and Policy Analysis (CeMPA) at the University of Essex, Prof. Matteo Richiardi, and researchers Dr Justin van der Ven and Dr Daria Popova from the University of Essex.

In addition to these speakers, the conference featured several presentations.

Melchior Vella from the Department of Economics presented his research on the take-up of social benefits.

Stephanie Vella Magro and Riana Said from the Economic Policy Department (Ministry for Finance), Glenn Abela and Dr Valentina Antonaroli from the Central Bank of Malta, and Matthew Zerafa from the National Statistics Office also presented during the conference.

Dr Carl Camilleri, Head of the Department of Economics, concluded the conference by highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and policy-making. He emphasised the Department’s commitment to ensure that academic work enhances policy decisions.

The conference underscored the significant role of microsimulation in policymaking and its potential to address complex socio-economic challenges through rigorous analysis and projections.