Magdalena Domínguez

What first attracted you to the IFS?

IFS recently set up a new research group looking at the provision of justice in England and Wales. I’d already been working on these topics for a while, so the chance to join IFS, and this group in particular, was very appealing. It combined all the good things about an academic role, the security of a permanent position, and the chance to make a real difference.

Which projects are you working on at the moment?

I’m part of the Transforming Justice project, which covers several areas. Right now, most of my time goes into research on non-criminal jurisdictions, like administrative and civil courts, and how recent reforms in England and Wales have shaped the way justice is delivered. I’ve also contributed to other parts of the wider grant, especially around data access and developing new research ideas.

What kind of things do you do during a typical day at work?

There isn’t really a typical day, and I like that. At the moment, most of my work involves data analysis. Since the project is still quite new, we’re learning a lot from the raw data. Some days I work on this by myself, and other days I collaborate with colleagues. On top of that, I attend IFS’s seminars, sometimes write short notes or policy reports, and keep working on some academic projects I started before joining IFS.

What do you particularly enjoy about the job?

I enjoy that it’s such a dynamic role. No two days are the same, and there’s always something new to learn. I also like that progress feels tangible and that I can see how my work matters. And I really value working with others and being part of such a collaborative environment.

How has your career progressed so far?

I finished my PhD in Economics four years ago. Since then, I’ve worked as a postdoctoral researcher in Sweden and as a Research Economist at the LSE. I joined IFS a little over a year ago as a Research Economist, and I’m now a Senior Research Economist.

What have you learned from working here?

I’ve learned so much in just a year. I’ve deepened my knowledge of the areas I research and I’ve also been inspired by the work of other researchers here. On top of that, I’ve learned a lot about the public-facing side of the job, such as speaking with non-academics, civil servants, and the wider public. It’s very clear to me now that how you deliver your message can be just as important as what you want to say.

How would you describe the working environment?

I’d describe it as supportive, collaborative, and motivating. It’s friendly and stimulating, but also challenging, which keeps the work interesting. There’s always someone willing to share ideas or feedback, and I’ve learned a lot from colleagues here. At the same time, there’s plenty of freedom to develop your own projects, which makes it a great place to grow as a researcher.