David Torun’s research focuses on international trade and international economics, particularly the stability of trade relations, the propagation of shocks through transportation networks, and the role of history in shaping trade patterns. During his time at CESifo, he will continue to study how global trade disruptions – such as protectionist measures and geopolitical conflicts – affect the formation and stability of trade relationships and production networks.

Hector Blanco is an applied microeconomist whose research focuses on the intersection of public and urban economics. His work studies how the public sector shapes local housing markets and neighborhoods through housing policy, as well as the welfare implications of these policies on households and landlords. During his visit, he will collaborate with Luca Perdoni on a project examining the effects of the first racially segregated public housing projects in the United States.