Dr Ignazio Cabras is an Associate Fellow of the York Centre for Complex Systems Analysis (YCCSA) and a Fellow of the Regional Studies Association (FeRSA). His research interests are focused on economics and environment, with particular emphasis on regional economic growth and development, innovation and knowledge economies, community cohesion and social capital. In recent years, Dr Cabras has led several research projects investigating the significant role pubs play in rural areas, contributing to measure and unveil the positive impact of these businesses on local communities, economies and supply chains. He is an active member of the Beeronomics Society and chaired the third Beeronomics Conference at the University of York in 2013, the first organised and host by a British institution.