Inequitable representation of LMIC researchers at development economics conferences

We examine the representation of researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) at 11 leading development economics conferences from 2009 to 2024. Although these conferences focus on research intended to improve growth, well-being, and human capital in LMICs, only one in five presenters comes from these countries. This heavy skew towards high-income country scholars is concerning because it may restrict the range of viewpoints and limit scrutiny of whether research reflects the country’s context and needs. We find no evidence that representation has improved over time. Our results show that where a conference is hosted matters: events held in LMICs are significantly more inclusive, suggesting that logistical barriers – such as travel costs, visa hurdles, and limited funding – strongly shape who can participate. The shift to virtual conferences during the 2020–21 pandemic increased representation only marginally. This limited impact may reflect pandemic-related disruptions, unequal access to reliable high-speed internet, and the slow, path-dependent evolution of research networks and academic practices. Improving representation is essential not only for equity and fairness but also for maintaining the credibility, relevance, and impact of development economics research.