UCL team win prestigious Kurt Rothschild Prize for work empowering ‘left-behind’ communities

The Kurt Rothschild Award for Economics Research and Journalism was established by the Karl-Renner-Institut and the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group in honour of the Austrian economist Kurt Rothschild (1914–2010). 

The award recognises researchers whose work addresses economic questions in a broad societal context. Prize recipients are commended not only for the quality of their scholarship, but also for their ability to share insights with a wider public and contribute to informed debate beyond academia.

Among the distinguished awardees, Professor John Tomaney (Pro-Provost, Regional Communities and Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at UCL) and his collaborators – Maeve Blackman, Sarah Chaytor, Siobhan Morris, Professor Lucy Natarajan, Dr Dimitrios Panayotopoulos-Tsiros, Professor Florence Sutcliffe-Braithwaite, Dr Myfanwy Taylor, and Katherine Welch - were awarded for their work on social infrastructure and "left behind places".

This research, supported by UCL Grand Challenges and UCL Public Policy, examines the complex conditions affecting the diverse communities gathered under the term of ‘left-behind places’, communities often overlooked in regional development strategies. At its core lies an in-depth case study of a former mining village, Sacriston in County Durham, where the team worked with local stakeholders including a collaboration with Redhills Durham Miners’ Hall to explore how the making, unmaking, and remaking of social infrastructure affects local resilience and recovery.

The interdisciplinary approach involved a 'deep-place' study using interviews, focus groups, and historical analysis to gather community insights. The work has created impact in the communities, as well as having local, national and international policy impact. Their findings led to a major publication, Social Infrastructure and Left-Behind Places, which outlines practical steps toward rebuilding community bonds and infrastructure.

UCL's President & Provost, Dr Michael Spence, said: 

“ “Congratulations to Professor Tomaney and the UCL team. This prestigious award recognises not only the excellence and impact of their research but also its ability to rebuild, reconnect, and reimagine left-behind communities. Their achievements show how academic work can drive real-world change, inspire policy, and make a tangible difference in people’s lives”

The award ceremony will take place on November 6, 2025, in the Austrian Parliament. The team will be donating the prize money to the community organisations they worked with in Sacriston. Further information can be found on The Renner Institut website.