Tim Harford is a renowned behavioural economist, author and award-winning Financial Times columnist. His two books, The Undercover Economist and The Logic of Life, have been translated into 30 languages and sold nearly a million copies.

Tim's latest work considers what governments should do when markets fail, and how economics can be applied to new technologies, climate change and the challenge of rebuilding war-torn states; but whilst being a 'serious' economist with a career spanning Oxford, Shell and the World Bank, Tim's FT columns dwell on the economics of daily life and offer tongue-in-cheek solutions to readers' problems. He also fronts Radio 4's More or Less and presented BBC2's Trust Me, I'm an Economist.

Drawing on the frontiers of economic research, Tim's speeches cover everything from theories on how to save the world from Armageddon - to how we can match odd socks, lose weight and find happiness. He also explores consumer behaviour when times are hard, contrasting detailed research with tabloid headlines. He shows there are 'good' and 'bad' recessions and reveals that whilst we cut back, we often do so in unexpected ways. From the retailer's perspective, competitive advantage goes to those who can target their discounts selectively.

In an alternative presentation, Tim reveals the hidden logic of the world around us. When a teenager commits a burglary or a smoker lights another cigarette we seem to be a million miles from common sense - or are we? Weaving evidence from sources like casinos and speed-dating, Tim shows that human behaviour is actually surprisingly logical.

Award winning journalist, broadcaster and leading economist Tim Harford presents Radio 4’s More or Less and is author of the “Logic of Life” and the “Undercover Economist” which has recorded nearly a million sales in almost 30 languages. His unique style provides a witty touch to his speeches.