Eric Neumayer

Eric Neumayer is Vice President for Planning and Resources as well as Deputy President and Vice Chancellor of the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he is also Professor of Environment and Development.

His previous leadership roles within LSE include being the Head of Department of Geography & Environment (2009-2013) and the Vice-chair of the Appointments Committee (2014-2016). In 2016 he became LSE’s inaugural Vice President for Faculty Development. From June 2023 to March 2024 he served as LSE’s Interim President and Vice Chancellor. During this tenure, LSE announced a financial rewards package for staff worth £110m over a seven year period.

Eric is a distinguished academic leader and internationally recognised scholar in the fields of environmental economics, sustainable development, and global public policy. As Deputy President and Vice Chancellor at the London School of Economics and Political Science, he has played a pivotal role in shaping institutional strategy and academic excellence. With a prolific research portfolio spanning over 100 publications and multiple influential books, his work has significantly advanced understanding of issues such as climate policy, economic development, migration, and human well-being.

His methodological rigor and commitment to evidence-based policy have earned him global recognition, including the Philip Leverhulme Prize in Geography in 2003. His work has been cited more than 36.000 times according to Google Scholar, with an impressive h-index of 100 (as of July 2025). Beyond his leadership role at LSE, Eric has shared his expertise through lectures, academic collaborations, and advisory roles across Europe and the Americas reinforcing his status as a thought leader in international and academic circles.

Eric’s teaching and scholarly interests cover a broad range of topics, including applied environmental economics and sustainable development, international aid and development finance, asylum and migration, climate change, economic geography, health, human rights, quantitative research methodology, natural disasters, violence and armed conflict. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including the widely acclaimed Weak versus Strong Sustainability: Exploring the Limits of Two Opposing Paradigms, now in its 5^th edition and available as an open access resource to everyone.

In addition to his academic credentials, he has significant experience as a senior university manager, currently as LSE's Deputy President and Vice Chancellor, providing leadership of the world’s top social science institution through difficult and polarising times. This includes crisis management during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, industrial action, and rising geopolitical tensions. His ability to navigate sensitive issues, engage with diverse stakeholders, and maintain organisational stability underscores his effectiveness as a senior executive in the higher education sector.

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