Thomas Liess

Researcher

Thomas Liess is a PhD candidate in economics at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center. He is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs where he teaches a capstone course on forced labour in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO). He also teaches undergraduate economics classes at Brooklyn College. He has worked for the United Nations, most recently as a consultant with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ Financing for Sustainable Development Office. 

His current research focuses on the economics of forced labour in global supply chains. His research and policy work have been presented in academic and multilateral settings, including UN DESA, the ILO, and numerous workshops and conferences.

Thomas obtained a BA in International Economics at Franklin University Switzerland and an MA in Global Political Economy and Finance at the New School for Social Research.