Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Munich | France
Dr. Silvia Castro is a postdoctoral researcher in Organizational Economics, set to join INSEAD . She recently completed her Ph.D. in Economics at LMU Munich, where she also earned her Master’s degree in Quantitative Economics. Her academic path began with a double bachelor’s degree in Economics and Law at Universidad Carlos III, laying the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to development and organizational research. Silvia’s work focuses on the intersection of economics, organizations, and human behavior, with field experiments serving as a central method of inquiry. Her published research addresses critical issues such as menstrual health adoption, cultural taboos, psychological safety in teams, and gendered access to finance. She actively contributes to global policy discussions, delivering talks at international conferences and engaging with organizations to advance solutions in health, development, and workplace climate. With numerous grants, fellowships, and awards, Silvia stands out as a dynamic researcher dedicated to impactful economic science.
Professional Profiles
Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile | Google Scholar
Education
Dr. Silvia Castro educational journey reflects strong training in economics with an interdisciplinary foundation. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics at LMU Munich in, where she specialized in Organizational Economics, Development Economics, and experimental methods. During her doctoral studies, she contributed to cutting-edge research on menstrual health, organizational behavior, and team dynamics, while also teaching courses in economics and supervising graduate students. Prior to her Ph.D., Silvia completed her M.Sc. in Quantitative Economics at LMU Munich in , equipping her with advanced skills in econometrics, mathematical modeling, and data analysis that later supported her empirical research. She began her academic career with a double bachelor’s degree in Economics and Law at Universidad Carlos III in, which provided her with a unique ability to approach economic issues through both analytical and legal perspectives. This solid educational background underpins her interdisciplinary research and commitment to advancing evidence-based policy solutions.
Experience
Dr. Silvia Castro has developed a rich portfolio of academic and research experience that spans teaching, publications, and international collaborations. She will begin her role as a postdoctoral researcher at INSEAD, one of the world’s leading business schools, where she will continue advancing her research in organizational and development economics. She has published in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Development Economics and World Development, while also contributing working papers and policy reports that bridge academia and practice. Silvia has held fellowships and worked with organizations like Elrha and Oxfam, contributing to large-scale projects on menstrual health and workplace well-being. She has presented at top international conferences, including the Academy of Management, CEPR, and NBER meetings, sharing insights on innovation adoption, team cooperation, and psychological safety. In addition to her research, Silvia has significant teaching experience, mentoring students and delivering seminars on economics, incentives, and organizational practices.
Research Interest
Dr. Silvia Castro research interests lie at the intersection of Organizational Economics, Development Economics, and Field Experiments. Her work focuses on how organizations and teams function, particularly in diverse and resource-constrained environments. She investigates issues such as psychological safety in workplace settings, supportive leadership, and cooperation among knowledge workers, often employing experimental and behavioral methods. In development contexts, her research examines the adoption of health innovations, gender equity in access to finance, and the impact of social norms on technology use. By integrating micro-level behavioral insights with organizational structures, Silvia’s work contributes to both theory and practice, offering solutions for businesses, policymakers, and non-profit organizations. Her ongoing projects also expand into contemporary themes such as the role of generative AI in knowledge work and the design of interventions to improve menstrual health outcomes. Collectively, her research agenda highlights her commitment to understanding and improving human-centered economics in global contexts.
Award and Honor
Dr. Silvia Castro has received numerous awards and grants recognizing her innovative research and contributions to development and organizational economics. She was honored with the Schmidt Sciences AI in the Workplace Development Award and the Siemens Foundation MenstruAction Research Grant, supporting her work on AI applications and menstrual health. She also secured grants from SurveyCTO, ESSEC Africa Research, and the German Research Foundation (DFG), reflecting her ability to attract competitive funding for impactful projects. Earlier achievements include the Joachim Herz Transfer Grant and the Hans Riegel Foundation Connex Grant, both highlighting her success in knowledge transfer and applied research. She has also been a Joachim Herz Fellow , contributing to a vibrant international research community. In addition, Silvia’s project on compliance and ethics earned the Best Project Award at the European Compliance and Ethics Conference , underscoring her interdisciplinary excellence.
Research Skill
Dr. Silvia Castro brings a strong skillset in experimental economics, econometrics, and field-based research design. Her expertise lies in designing and executing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to study organizational behavior, leadership, and development outcomes. She is skilled in advanced statistical analysis, including causal inference, program evaluation, and econometric modeling, which she applies to large-scale datasets and experimental results. Silvia also has experience with survey design, data collection in complex field environments, and the use of digital platforms such as Survey CTO for robust and ethical research practices. Her interdisciplinary background equips her to integrate organizational theory with development economics, producing practical insights that influence policy and business strategy. Beyond quantitative methods, Silvia engages in qualitative fieldwork to understand cultural norms and behavioral drivers, particularly in health and gender-related studies. These combined skills allow her to pursue impactful research that is both academically rigorous and socially relevant.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Fostering Psychological Safety in Teams: Evidence from an RCT
Year: 2022
Citations: 29
Title: Breaking the Silence – Group Discussions and the Adoption of Menstrual Health Technologies
Year: 2024
Citations: 21
Title: Cultural Taboos and Misinformation about Menstrual Health Management in Rural Bangladesh
Year: 2025
Citations: 16
Title: Gendered Access to Finance: The Roles of Team Formation, Idea Quality, and Implementation Constraints in Business Evaluations
Year: 2024
Citations: 2
Title: Cooperation in the Workplace: Experimental Evidence from Knowledge Workers
Year: 2025
Conclusion
Dr. Silvia Castro is an emerging scholar in organizational and development economics whose research bridges rigorous experimentation with pressing real-world challenges. Her work advances our understanding of psychological safety in teams, cooperation among knowledge workers, and gendered access to finance, while also tackling critical issues in menstrual health management and misinformation in developing countries. By combining organizational economics with development-focused field experiments, she contributes to both theory and practice, offering insights that inform workplace dynamics, public policy, and social innovation. Her publications in leading journals such as Journal of Development Economics and World Development highlight her growing impact, while her ongoing projects on AI in knowledge work and supportive leadership show her forward-looking research trajectory. Recognized with prestigious grants and awards, Castro exemplifies the integration of scientific excellence with societal relevance, positioning her as a promising voice shaping the future of organizational and development economics.