Known for her expertise in macroeconomics, Carlin has made significant contributions to both academic research and practical policy discussions.

Carlin's academic journey was deeply influenced by her time at Murdoch as she took advantage of combining breadth (such as an independent study contract on the origins of the Israel-Palestine conflict) with depth in maths, statistics and economics. Completing a Dip Ed alongside her degree built the practical and disciplinary inputs she has drawn on for her globally recognised contributions to economics education. 

Her scholarship to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar further honed her analytical skills and deepened her understanding of economic theory. She completed her DPhil in Economics at Oxford, focusing in her dissertation on questions of economic growth and income distribution using the case of the transformation of the post war West German economy. This laid the foundations for a career interest in large-scale transitions from one economic system to another. 

As a professor of economics at University College London (UCL), Carlin has distinguished herself as an innovative educator and a leading researcher. Her work often bridges the gap between theoretical models and real-world economic issues. One of her major contributions is in the field of macroeconomic modelling, where she has developed frameworks that better capture the complexities of modern economies.

Carlin is perhaps best known for her role in the development of the CORE (Curriculum Open-access Resources in Economics) project. This initiative aims to revolutionise the teaching of economics by providing a comprehensive, open-access curriculum that emphasises empirical data and real-world applications. Top researchers around the world have been mobilised to contribute to the project by showing students how economics can contribute to solving the most pressing problems we face. CORE has been adopted by universities worldwide, making the subject more accessible and relevant to students.

Beyond her academic achievements, Carlin has played a pivotal role in economic policy discussions. She has served as a consultant for various international organisations, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank as well as the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility. Her insights have informed policies on economic transition, development, and macroeconomic stability.