Aoife Hanley is a senior researcher at the Kiel Institute and a Professor at Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Germany. Her research applies empirical analysis to international trade, competitiveness, and policy design, with a focus on:

1. Global supply chains and development – identifying patterns in how firms in emerging economies balance sustainability and profitability within international trade systems.
2. China’s industrial strategy and global economic influence – using data-driven research to assess China’s trade policies, industrial expansion, and environmental impacts within the evolving world order.

Leading an international research team, she applies quantitative methods to detect trends in global competitiveness, economic diplomacy, and sustainability policy. Her findings inform policy recommendations for German ministries (BMF, BMWi, BMZ) and international institutions, including the European Parliament. She has also contributed empirical insights to public discussions via the German media.

With extensive teaching experience in the UK and Germany, Professor Hanley has supervised multiple PhD candidates, mentoring them in data-driven research on international trade, economic policy, and global governance. She is also involved in organizing a forthcoming workshop on “Africa’s FinTech Transformation and its potential for German-African Partnerships”, with participation from international experts, including representatives from ECB and UNIDO.

Originally from the Republic of Ireland, she earned her PhD at the University of Edinburgh. Her work is grounded in evidence-based analysis, using empirical methods to uncover patterns in global trade, industry policy, and economic development, shaping actionable insights for business, policymakers, and international relations.