Dr. Vernon Henderson

Biography

J. Vernon Henderson joined the London School of Economics in September 2013 as the School Professor of Economic Geography. He previously held the position of Eastman Professor of Political Economy at Brown University in the USA. His research primarily focuses on urbanization in developing countries, with particular attention to cities and regions. Current work involves the evolution of urban systems in sub-Saharan Africa, the impact of factor market distortions on city size and welfare in China, and spatial equilibrium models. He investigates the dynamics of investment in the built environment of cities, the effects of colonial legacies on urban sprawl and layout, and the link between ethno-linguistic diversity and urban concentration globally. His recent publications can be found in prestigious journals such as the Quarterly Journal of Economics, the American Economic Review, and the Review of Economic Studies. Additionally, he is a co-editor of the Journal of Urban Economics and has served on several editorial boards. Henderson is also the founder and past President of the Urban Economics Association. Over the years, he has worked with governments in Asia and Africa and has collaborated with institutions like the World Bank and DFID to formulate urban policies.

Research Interests