Professor Frank Crowley

Biography

Frank Crowley is Professor of Economics with expertise in regional and urban economics, innovation economics, transport and environmental economics, and applied econometrics. He teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at University College Cork (UCC), delivering modules in economics, econometrics, and regional economics and policy. Frank places research-led teaching at the core of his approach and adopts a pedagogical framework that integrates Multiple Intelligence (MI) theory, Constructive Developmental Theory (CDT), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). His teaching emphasises inclusive design, applied learning, and the development of students’ critical and analytical thinking skills. In recognition of his teaching excellence, he received the UCC President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2021 and is a CIRTL (Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning) Teaching Fellow.

Professor Crowley’s research focuses on regional and urban economics, innovation economics, and the economics of sustainability and transport. He co-directs the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre (SRERC) at UCC and is a Principal Investigator at the Environmental Research Institute. Frank currently leads UCC’s role in the Horizon Europe SYNCLUSIVE project, is a co-investigator on the Horizon BUILD-CAPACITIES project and he previously led Work Package 9 of the SELKIE project, funded by the EU European Regional Development Fund. He has contributed to research projects totalling over €13.6 million, securing €1.4 million directly for UCC. These include prestigious research awards from the Horizon Europe Programme, EU Cooperation Programme, Irish Research Council, Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, and the China Scholarship Council. His work has been published in 33 peer-reviewed articles, including 26 ABS-ranked publications in journals such as Regional Studies, Urban Studies, Journal of Technology Transfer, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, Transport Policy, and Journal of Rural Studies. His research has informed national policy on land use, climate, and regional development, and he continues to supervise postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and MSc by Research students, while receiving multiple awards for research excellence and impact.

Frank was appointed Professor of Economics in 2024 and currently serves as Vice-Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Business and Law and Cork University Business School. He is a member of Academic Council and is the Vice-Chair of the Student Discipline Committee (second term). He has a PhD in Economics from the University of Groningen, along with an MA and BA in Economics and Geography from UCC. His qualifications also include a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma, and Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. He has completed multiple professional certifications in inclusive and digital education, and research supervision.

As Vice-Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Co-Director of SRERC, Frank provides strategic leadership in building an inclusive academic environment and advancing impactful research. He has co-led the development of SRERC into a nationally recognised centre, achieving awards including UCC Research Team of the Year (2020) and College of Business and Law Research Team of the Year (2020, 2022). He served on the RSAI-BIS committee (2011–2014, 2017–2022), co-organising eight conferences and the ERSA Congress at UCC in 2018. He has provided expert insight to the Department of Finance, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Southern Regional Assembly, and Cork City Council, and contributes regularly to academic and policy discussions through keynotes, public forums, and journal reviewing. His work continues to bridge economics and policy, shaping both scholarship and practice.

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