Health Economists' Study Group

The City Health Economics Group is the administrative home of the Health Economists' Study Group (HESG); David Parkin is the organiser. HESG exists to support and promote the work of health economists via two main activities: it acts as a network, via an electronic mailing list and website; and organises biannual meetings at which academic and policy relevant papers are discussed. Although based in the UK, its membership and concerns are not restricted to the UK; around 10% of members are from elsewhere. It has been an important part of the development of health economics in the UK (and elsewhere) since its first meeting in 1972, and currently has around 450 members and around 120 participants at each of its twice-yearly meetings.

Meetings are held in different locations in the UK, Ireland and occasionally elsewhere. They have a distinctive style and feel, attempting to maintain a study group atmosphere despite large numbers. All papers are pre-circulated and discussed in hour-long sessions using discussants rather than author presentations. Papers cover a large range of topics. We welcome at our meetings people from a variety of backgrounds, but they are intended for economists and its ‘working language’ is economics.

Membership currently costs £15 per year. Members are entitled to use the mailing list and the members' web site, which features a directory of members’ interests and activities and a database of meeting papers, pay a lower fee at meetings and attend and contribute to group decision making via business meetings. Members can also claim a reduced rate for membership of the International Health Economics Association (iHEA), which confers a number of benefits including the ability to purchase health economics journals at reduced rates.

For further details, visit the HESG website.