Kindly words written by Kevin J. Fox (University of New South Wales) for the “Report on Research Activity of the Oviedo Efficiency Group, 1998-2008” regarding the Permanent Seminar on Efficiency and Productivity Analysis.

Each time I have visited Oviedo I have enjoyed myself far too much. The academic environment is first class, the city is beautiful and the surrounding scenery is exceptional. It’s enough to drive one to drink. Cider, orujo, and then some more cider…. It amazes me that the fine folks of the Oviedo Efficiency Group ever manage to get any work done. But work they do. They have quickly established themselves internationally as a leading group on efficiency analysis, which is a great feat in a very competitive field. Their reputation for academic work is only rivaled by their reputation for hospitality. I wish I had more memory of my visits to Oviedo, but I suspect my memory is partially victim to the legendary hospitality.

I do remember my first seminar in the Permanent Seminar on Efficiency and Productivity Analysis series; I was asked a question before I was even able to start my talk. That set the tone for the rest of the seminar. After receiving a pretty torrid time, I was taken out for an evening of more fun than can possibly be medically advisable. However, as Plato noted, attention to health is life’s greatest hindrance. I have had cause to be reminded of this on each subsequent visit to Oviedo.

The Oviedo Efficiency Group certainly knows how to work and play. Collectively and individually they are exceptional. I look forward to seeing how they push back the frontiers over the next ten years..

Kevin J. Fox