New Zealand South Asia Centre

Research interests include international finance, behavioural finance, corporate finance, financial development and applied econometrics.

Professor Clemency Montelle is Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury and an internationally recognised scholar in the history and philosophy of mathematics. In 2026 she became the first person outside the United Kingdom to receive the prestigious Agnes Mary Clerke Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society, recognising her outstanding contributions to the history of astronomy and its mathematical traditions.

With expertise in several ancient languages, she studies how early cultures developed sophisticated mathematical and astronomical knowledge, revealing the global foundations of modern science. Her work combines mathematical insight with innovative digital tools to analyse historical data, bringing new life to centuries-old scientific texts and highlighting the enduring relevance of mathematical thinking across time and cultures. As a research leader, she champions interdisciplinary collaboration and is committed to strengthening research excellence while broadening public understanding of the role mathematics plays in shaping contemporary data-driven disciplines and societal impact.

My research agenda and publications focus on inclusive entrepreneurship. I focus on the role that entrepreneurship plays in the social and economic participation of unconventional or underrepresented groups such as refugees, immigrants, low-income people, and women. In particular, I study the way these groups start and develop ventures, navigate exclusion from mainstream systems, and contribute to society.  I also study social/sustainable entrepreneurship and social innovations in communities and the intersection between microfinance and sustainability. All my research work is focused on achieving the impact goal of reducing inequalities and promoting social and economic inclusion.