Professor Douglas Gollin of Williams College in the United States will join the department from October 2012 as the replacement for Professor Valpy FitzGerald, who will be on sabbatical from September 2012 before his retirement in September 2014.

Gollin has been awarded the title of Professor of Development Economics by the University in recognition of his scholarly distinction.

Professor Gollin's research focuses on economic growth and development, with particular interests in agriculture and technology.