Destry Damayanti nominated as Indonesia Central Bank Governor
Minister of State Secretariat, Prasetyo Hadi, announced that President Prabowo Subianto has nominated Destry Damayanti as the sole candidate to lead Indonesia’s central bank, Bank Indonesia. Having been appointed last week acting governor, and only a few weeks after her reappointment as deputy governor, Damayanti is set to replace Perry Warjiyo, who recently stepped down for personal reasons, marking a historic first resignation of a governor from the central bank. During a press conference held at the Presidential Palace, Minister Prasetyo confirmed that the President had submitted a presidential letter about Damayanti's nomination to the House of Representatives (DPR). As per the process, members of the DPR will conduct a fit-and-proper test to evaluate her candidacy. "So, there is only one name, namely Ms. Destry Damayanti," Prasetyo stated. The DPR is expected to formally announce the government’s proposal regarding Damayanti’s nomination on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. As of the latest updates, the House had yet to comment on the nomination but is scheduled to announce it publicly. Destry Damayanti is an accomplished economist, having served as the Senior Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia since 2019. With a background in various financial institutions and her role in the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation, she is well-prepared for this pivotal position within the country’s monetary system. You can see her profile on the Bank Indonesia website.
President Prabowo Subianto has put forth Destry Damayanti as the singular candidate for the Governor of Bank Indonesia, following the resignation of Perry Warjiyo.
Purdue University Approves Four New Professorships in Economics and Business
On August 7, 2026, the Purdue University Board of Trustees met to approve several key appointments and recognitions: Brian Dineen as the Frederick and Alice Leeds Professor David Hummels as the Marshall and Susan Larsen Chair Ting Zhu as the Jack A. Hockema Chair in Business Martin Dufwenberg as Distinguished Professor of Economics Further appointments were made in the fields of engineering, health and education, as well as new athletics leadership. Brian Dineen - Appointed to the Frederick and Alice Leeds Professor Dineen came to Purdue in 2013 as an associate professor of management, later rising to department head for Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management. His research focuses on issues related to recruitment, job search and employee retention. More specifically, he investigates factors that influence the quality of initial applicant pools in organizations, including recruitment message orientation and mass customization, as well as job seeker search strategies. The Frederick and Alice Leeds Professor of Management was established in 1990 by the estate of Alice Cole Leeds. This fund provides for an endowed professorship in the Mitch Daniels School of Business. David Hummels - Appointed to the Marshall and Susan Larsen Chair Hummels came to Purdue in 2000 as an assistant professor, advancing to the rank of Distinguished Professor of Economics. He previously served as the Dr. Samuel R. Allen Dean of the Mitch Daniels School of Business. Hummels’ research focuses on a range of issues in international trade, including offshoring and its impact on labor markets; product differentiation; barriers to trade; and the broader impacts of aviation, infrastructure and trade facilitation on trade and economic development. Most recently, his work has centered on labor market issues, including executive compensation, the intersection between worker health and labor markets, and the economics of higher education. Hummels’ honors and awards include an Outstanding Innovation in Graduate Teaching recognition and an Excellence in Executive MBA Teaching honor from Purdue, several grants, and other recognitions. The Marshall and Susan Larsen Chair was established in 2026 for an internationally recognized economist with a preference for research focused on international trade. Ting Zhu - Appointed to the Jack A. Hockema Chair in Business Zhu joined the faculty at Purdue in 2016 as an associate professor of marketing. She currently serves as the department head of Marketing in the Mitch Daniels School of Business and the Jack A. Hockema Term Chair in Business. Her teaching experience and interests lie in new product management, marketing analytics, consumer behavior, customer relationship management and pricing. Her publications and research interests focus on entry models, consumer choices, retail competition, pricing, new technology adoption, and health and sustainability in marketing. Zhu serves on the editorial boards of Marketing Science and Quantitative Marketing and Economics. Martin Dufwenberg - Appointed as Distinguished Professor of Economics Dufwenberg joined the faculty at Purdue in 2025 as a professor of economics. His research uses game theory and experiments to incorporate insights from psychology into economic analysis. Much of his work develops and applies a formal framework called psychological game theory, which is useful for modeling emotions, reciprocity, social norms and image concerns. His publications have appeared in many scientific outlets, including Econometrica, American Economic Review, Neuron, The Review of Economic Studies, Journal of Economic Theory, Games and Economic Behavior, and more. Dufwenberg currently serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of the Economic Science Association and Experimental Economics. His honors and awards include being named an Economic Theory Fellow as well as receiving an honorary doctorate at the University of Gothenburg, the Erik Malmsten Visiting Professorship Award, the Royal Economic Society Prize and more. Read more about the appointments in the Press Release on the purdue.edu website.
The Purdue University Board of Trustees approved multiple named professorships and deanships, including four in economics and business fields.
Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics (JEL E)
University of Geneva Appoints Johannes Boehm as Full Professor of International Economics at GSEM
The University of Geneva has announced the appointment of Johannes Boehm as a Full Professor of International Economics at the Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM), effective August 1, 2026. Boehm will be joining the Institute of Economics and Econometrics within GSEM. Boehm, who earned his PhD in Economics from the London School of Economics in 2014, is recognized internationally for his research and teaching focus on international trade, industrial development, economic growth, macroeconomics, and environmental economics. His work particularly examines the influence of trade networks on growth processes, as well as policies designed to enhance industrial capabilities and bolster economic resilience against geopolitical risks and climate challenges. In addition to his new role, Boehm is affiliated with the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) in London and the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics. Before joining the University of Geneva, he was a professor at the Geneva Graduate Institute from 2024, following a faculty position at Sciences Po Paris. His career includes visiting positions at prestigious institutions such as Princeton University, Harvard University, and INSEAD. Boehm's areas of expertise encompass various aspects of economics, including international trade, globalization, development and cooperation policies, international investment, monetary policy, and environmental governance. His research aims to deepen the understanding of contemporary economic challenges, including the dynamics of global trade and the climate transition, as well as the resilience of economies to international shocks. For more information, visit the GSEM News Page.
Johannes Boehm has been appointed as the Full Professor of International Economics at the Geneva School of Economics and Management, effective August 1, 2026.
David Autor Appointed Head of MIT Department of Economics
David Autor, a distinguished faculty member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 1999, has been named the new head of the Department of Economics, effective July 1, 2026. Autor succeeds Jon Gruber, who served as department head from July 2023. Autor is recognized for his significant research in the fields of artificial intelligence and the future of work, particularly regarding the impacts of technological change and globalization on the labor market. Agustín Rayo, Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, praised Autor’s expertise, stating, "David is a world-class labor economist and an individual of wisdom and insight." Autor takes over the role from Jon Gruber, the Ford Professor of Economics, who headed the department since July 2023. In his new role, Autor aims to maintain the high standards set by the department while also addressing the challenges posed by budget constraints and political changes. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating advancements in AI into both teaching and research strategies. Autor’s credentials include serving as co-director of the National Bureau of Economic Research Labor Studies Program, and he holds a BA in psychology from Tufts University and a PhD in public policy from Harvard University. His work has earned him numerous accolades, such as the National Science Foundation CAREER Award and the Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. With a profound commitment to addressing issues of job polarization and economic inequality, Autor expresses gratitude to MIT, stating, "Stepping into this role is a chance to contribute to a place that has shaped me at every stage." His leadership is believed to foster a progressive academic environment that directly engages with pressing economic challenges.
David Autor, a prominent labor economist and faculty member at MIT since 1999, has been named head of the Department of Economics.
Matías Fontenla Appointed Chair of UNM Department of Economics
Professor Fontenla's new role is effective August 1. He has been a member of the UNM faculty for more than two decades, holding leadership positions including the associate director of the Latin American and Iberian Institute and the chair of the Committee on Governance. Fontenla expressed gratitude on his appointment, stating, "I am humbled that my colleagues wanted me to serve as chair. I know there will be challenging aspects of the position, but I am willing to do this as a service to my department." Fontenla's research primarily focuses on development economics, return migration, and financial intermediation, specifically in Latin America. His work has been published in notable journals, including The Review of Economics and Statistics. A recent study co-authored by Fontenla illustrates that return migration from the U.S. has positively impacted local economic development in Mexico, enhancing education, health outcomes, and reducing crime. In addition to his role at UNM, Fontenla is a trustee for the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board, overseeing the Investments Committee. Originally from Argentina, he earned his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin and has taught at prominent institutions in Mexico. Associate Dean Keith Hunley praised Fontenla's qualifications, saying, "Matías is an accomplished economist whose research has earned national and international recognition." Fontenla aims to prioritize faculty success and enrich the student experience, fostering a vibrant academic environment. "My goal is to provide the resources and support that allows everyone in the department to reach their full potential and to make economics an exciting field for students," Fontenla said.
Professor Matías Fontenla has been appointed as the new chair of the University of New Mexico's Department of Economics.
Winners of the 2026 AFSE Thesis Prize Announced
Winners of the 2026 AFSE Thesis Prize Announced On June 18, 2026, the French Association of Economic Science (AFSE) announced the recipients of the esteemed AFSE Thesis Prize for their groundbreaking contributions to economic research. This prize recognises scholars who have made significant advancements in the field. Edouard Pignède Takes Top Honor Edouard Pignède was awarded the main prize for his thesis titled "The Poverty-Environment Trap: Climate Change, Natural Resources, and Population Dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa." Supervised by distinguished economists Raja Chakir, Philippe Delacote, and Julien Wolfersberger, Edouard's research focuses on climate change adaptation and resource utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, he is a postdoctoral researcher at the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), having completed his PhD at the University of Paris-Saclay, and is a member of the UMI SOURCE. Special Mentions Recognize Notable Contributions Two scholars received special mentions for their exceptional work: Karine Moukaddem for her thesis "Dynamics of Change: Essays on Gender, Aspirations, and Marriage Markets," focusing on gender and socio-economic factors in the Middle East. She completed her PhD at the Aix-Marseille School of Economics, and is now a postdoctoral researcher at UCLouvain. Julius Goedde for his work on "Market Design in the Platform Economy," emphasizing the intersection of market design and digital economies, holding a Ph.D. from the Paris School of Economics.
The winners of the prestigious 2026 AFSE Thesis Prize have been unveiled, highlighting significant research contributions in economic sciences. Edouard Pignède, Karine Moukaddem, and Julius Goedde received accolades for their impactful theses.
Agricultural and Environmental Economics (JEL Q)
Professor Jingjing Zhang Appointed Head of School of Economics at University of Sydney
Previously serving as Professor of Economics and Head of the Department of Economics at RMIT University, Professor Zhang is an internationally recognized expert in experimental and behavioral economics. Her work focuses on enhancing decision-making processes, institutional frameworks, and social outcomes through innovative economic strategies. She started in her new position at the University of Sydney on 15 July 2026. Professor Zhang has cultivated a global research profile, securing over $1.6 million in competitive research funding from prestigious institutions, including the Australian Research Council and the U.S. National Science Foundation. Her findings have been published in leading journals such as Management Science and The Economic Journal, demonstrating her strong influence in the field of economics. A strong emphasis of Professor Zhang’s research is on practical policy engagement. Her contributions have helped shape significant areas such as spectrum auction design for regulatory authorities, digital consumer practices, and electoral designs aimed at promoting democratic engagement. Professor Zhang expressed her enthusiasm about joining the University of Sydney, noting its strategic position for interdisciplinary engagement between economics and other fields. Professor Lisa Adkins, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, warmly welcomed her appointment, expressing confidence in her capacity to elevate the School's contribution to research and education. For further details, you can visit the official page.
The University of Sydney has announced the appointment of Professor Jingjing Zhang as the new Head of the School of Economics. A respected figure in economics, Professor Zhang aims to enhance research excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration within the school.
New Study Reveals Misconceptions in Climate Action Support
On July 7, 2026, a research team from the University of Erfurt published a significant study in Nature Climate Change, contesting the long-held belief that individuals underestimate public support for climate protection. Led by Dr. Kevin Tiede from the Institute for Planetary Health Behaviour, the study uncovered a complex reality. "Until now, it has often been assumed that people do not support climate protection more strongly or take action themselves because they believe they are in the minority with their attitude," Tiede stated. However, findings indicate that people sometimes overestimate how many are actually engaged in climate protection efforts. The researchers analyzed responses from over 5,000 participants across Germany and the USA. They discovered that while individuals primarily support climate initiatives, they tend to underestimate the size of this majority. Conversely, there is an overestimation regarding how many are actively donating to climate causes or participating in political activism. This simultaneous underestimation and overestimation are attributed to a psychological tendency to shift extreme views toward a perceived average. Tiede explained, "Part of what has so far been labeled pluralistic ignorance could be due to very general thought processes when estimating proportions." These findings have important implications for climate communication strategies. Although it was previously believed that highlighting broad public support could enhance social engagement, the study concludes that merely addressing misperceptions may not be enough to encourage actionable climate behavior. Instead, facilitating practical solutions and effectively communicating them might be key to fostering a more climate-friendly society. For more details, the full study can be accessed here.
A groundbreaking study from the University of Erfurt challenges the assumption that people underestimate public support for climate action, showing that individuals often overestimate the level of engagement among others.
Silvana Tenreyro Appointed as IMF Economic Counsellor and Head of Research Department
Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), announced the appointment of Silvana Tenreyro as the new Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department (RES). Tenreyro succeeds Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, who has returned to academia. The announcement was made in a press release dated July 7, 2026, About Silvana Tenreyro Currently the James E. Meade Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics, Tenreyro has a robust academic background and has been affiliated with the institution since 2004. She holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and has received numerous international awards for her research, including the Yrjö Jahnsson Award and the Bernhard Harms Prize. Her extensive policy experience includes serving as an external member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee from 2017 to 2023. She has also worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and was part of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Mauritius. As a member of the IMF Managing Director’s External Advisory Group, she advises various institutions on economic issues. Vision for the Role Georgieva emphasized Tenreyro’s leadership skills and her track record of fostering constructive dialogue across different perspectives as essential for her new role. Tenreyro will begin her responsibilities on August 10, 2026. For more details, visit the IMF website.
Silvana Tenreyro has been named the IMF's Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department, succeeding Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas. Tenreyro, a prominent economist, will commence her role on August 10, 2026, bringing her extensive academic and policy-making experience to the Fund.
Dr. Adriana Kugler Receives 2025 ASHE Academic Achievement Award
The American Society of Hispanic Economists (ASHE) has announced Dr. Adriana Kugler, a Professor of Public Policy and Economics at Georgetown University, as the recipient of the 2025 ASHE Academic Achievement Award. This prestigious award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to economic research aligned with ASHE's mission. Dr. Kugler obtained her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley in 1997 and holds a Joint BA in Economics and Political Science with First Class Honors from McGill University. Throughout her career, she has focused on the impacts of labor market and trade policies on employment and earnings inequities, notably among Latino workers. Her research has also addressed the economic implications of immigration and immigrant assimilation in health and education. Her extensive publication record in esteemed journals and recognition by the academic community demonstrates her influence in the field. Notably, Dr. Kugler received the 2007 John T. Dunlop Outstanding Scholar Award and the 2010 First Prize for Best Contribution in "Globalization, Regulations, and Development" from the Global Development Network. Dr. Kugler has marked historic achievements in public policy, being the first Hispanic person to hold multiple high-ranking positions such as Governor of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve and U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank. Recently, she has been recognized by Barrons as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance and by Bloomberg Linea as one of the top 500 influential people in Latin America. With the Award, the ASHE acknowledges Dr. Kugler's contributions to economics and her dedication to addressing pressing economic issues affecting marginalized groups. Read more about Dr. Kugler on her Georgetown faculty page or on her personal website.
Dr. Adriana Kugler, an esteemed professor at Georgetown University, has been awarded the 2025 ASHE Academic Achievement Award.
Public Economics & Economic Policy (JEL H)
Economic Development, Innovation and Growth (JEL O)
Urban, Rural and Transportation Economics (JEL R)
Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
Isaac Sorkin Awarded 2026 Sherwin Rosen Prize by Society of Labor Economists
This prestigious award recognizes Sorkin's significant contributions to the field of labor economics, particularly his innovative research on worker mobility, firm amenities, and labor market inequality. Sorkin, who earned his B.A. from Swarthmore College and both M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, has been recognized as one of the leading labor economists of his generation. His pivotal work titled "Ranking Firms Using Revealed Preference" published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics in 2018, has reshaped understanding of wage variations among firms. The study utilizes extensive matched employer-employee data to construct a firm-level ranking based on worker mobility insights, challenging conventional views that wage differentials largely reflect pay premia. His ongoing research further extends to various facets of labor economics, including market structure, minimum wage impacts, and application of econometric strategies. Sorkin's work stands out for its methodological contributions that combine theoretical insights with empirical analysis, significantly altering perceptions within the field. With a commitment to advancing the understanding of labor dynamics, Sorkin's scholarship not only exemplifies excellence but also underscores the importance of empirical design in economic research, establishing him as a distinguished voice in his domain. The Sherwin Rosen Prize celebrates scholars who demonstrate exceptional originality and influence in labor economics. Previous winners include Daron Acemoglu (2004), who later went on to win a Nobel prize, and Raj Chetty (2016), who has won the Clark Medal and multiple other recognitions in the field.
Stanford University's Isaac Sorkin has been recognized with the 2026 Sherwin Rosen Prize by the Society of Labor Economics.
Kelsey Moran Wins 2026 ZEW Heinz König Young Scholar Award
The ZEW Mannheim has announced that Kelsey Moran, PhD, from the University of Miami, is the recipient of the 2026 Heinz König Young Scholar Award. This prestigious award, given for the 26th time, recognizes outstanding empirical research and comprises a prize of €5,000. Moran was honored for her paper titled "Costs of Technological Frictions: Evidence from EHR (Non-)Interoperability," co-authored with Rebekah Dix from Stanford University and Thi Mai Anh Nguyen from New York University. The paper investigates a pressing market failure in the digital economy: the lack of data portability within electronic health record systems across U.S. hospitals. The research indicates that technological barriers not only inflate financial costs but also jeopardize patient well-being and the quality of public services. Professor Irene Bertschek, who heads ZEW's Digital Economy Research Unit, commended Moran's work for its thorough analysis and significance regarding European digital market regulations such as the Digital Markets Act, which aims to enhance interoperability and data sharing among large platforms. The award presentation took place in the presence of Dr. Joanna Kowalska, Chief Financial Officer of Hornbach Baumarkt AG, this year's sponsor. She highlighted the societal impact of the research and the importance of supporting promising researchers in their endeavors. The Heinz König Young Scholar Award, named after ZEW's founding director, aims to promote young academics, continuing a tradition that underlines the institute’s commitment to enhancing empirical economic research. Read more about the Heinz König Award on the ZEW website.
The ZEW Mannheim awards Kelsey Moran for her groundbreaking research highlighting the costs of data fragmentation in healthcare.
Editorial Changes Announced for Econometric Society Journals
Beginning July 1, 2026, Mikkel Plagborg-Møller from Princeton University will join Quantitative Economics as a Co-Editor, succeeding Jim Hamilton. Additionally, Peter Arcidiacono from Duke University will replace Serena Ng as the Editor for empirical and econometrics monographs. The Society expressed gratitude to Jim and Serena for their contributions during their tenures. More changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2027. Econometrica will welcome Fuhito Kojima from the University of Tokyo and Thierry Mayer from Sciences Po (which also announced the news) as Co-Editors, taking over from Parag Pathak, Francesco Trebbi, and Leeat Yariv. In Theoretical Economics, Geoffroy de Clippel from Brown University will assume the role of Co-Editor, replacing Rakesh Vohra. In their press release, the Econometric Society acknowledged the "outstanding service, dedication, and professionalism" of the departing Co-Editors, adding of the new appointments that the society "anticipates that their replacements will live up to the high standards set by their predecessors". In other news, Joan Llull, the Data Editor, has agreed to extend his term through at least June 30, 2031. The Society also extended its thanks to those who participated in the search committees for identifying suitable replacements for the departing editors.
The Econometric Society has announced editorial changes for several of its journals, effective from July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2027, respectively, thanking outgoing editors for their service and welcoming new appointees.
Rousseeuw Prize for Statistics 2026 Recognizes Team behind R
The Rousseeuw Prize for Statistics 2026 has been awarded to five distinguished members of the R Core Team in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the development of the R Project. The laureates include Professors Brian Ripley (University of Oxford, UK), Martin Maechler (ETH Zurich, Switzerland), Kurt Hornik (Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria), Peter Dalgaard (Copenhagen Business School, Denmark), and Luke Tierney (University of Iowa, USA). Half of the prize money will go directly to these laureates, who have contributed significantly over nearly three decades, while the other half will support the broader R Core Team. Their work has democratized access to statistical programming through the open-source R language, transforming it from an expensive proprietary tool into a widely accessible resource for researchers, educators, governments, and students around the globe. Since its inception in the early 90s by Robert Gentleman and Ross Ihaka at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, which also announced news of the award, R has become an essential environment for data analysis and graphics, supported by a vast ecosystem of over 23,000 packages available through the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN). The R Core Team has continuously enhanced R’s capabilities, ensuring multilingual support and ongoing adaptation to technological advances, which has resulted in a vibrant community of users who collaborate and share their work. The R Project has gained over 343,000 citations on Semantic Scholar and has fundamentally transformed statistical analysis worldwide by making advanced analytics accessible to all. Read more about the prize here. Download the full press release (pdf) here.
The Rousseeuw Prize for Statistics 2026 has been awarded to the R Core Team in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the development of the R Project.
Jean Drèze Receives 2026 Global Inequality Research Award
The accolade acknowledges his remarkable efforts in poverty and inequality research in India, alongside his advocacy for crucial acts like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Drèze emphasized the collaborative nature of his work, stating, "This recognition is not something I achieved on my own. All the work I do is in collaboration with people and collectives working for change." He highlighted India's complex inequality landscape, noting the intersections of economic disparity, caste systems, and gender inequality, while also acknowledging the rich tradition of resistance in the country. The award recognises researchers from diverse fields contributing to the understanding of global inequalities. It was jointly established by the World Inequality Lab (WIL) and Sciences Po’s Center for Research on Social Inequalities (CRIS). This marks the second biannual presentation of the GiRA, following its inaugural award in 2024 to Bina Argawal and James K. Boyce for their impactful work on social and environmental inequalities. Jean Drèze was born in Belgium, and moved to India in the late 1970s. He is now a dual-citizen of both countries. He has taught at LSE in London, and the Delhi School of Economics. He is a widely renowned economist and has published works together with Nobel laureates Angus Deaton and Amartya Sen, as well as Nicholas Stern. Apart from his academic work, he has campaigned for improved social rights in India and played a key role in the design of Indian government policies, helping to develop a social protection framework in the country.
Renowned economist Jean Drèze has been awarded the Global Inequality Research Award during the World Inequality Conference, which was held in the first week of June in Paris.
UK Government Launches AI Economics Institute
The AI Economics Institute is stated to be the first government-backed research institution of its kind in the world. Announced on the UK government's official website, the AIEI aims to build a robust evidence base to assess AI's impacts on productivity, labor markets, and overall economic growth. The government acknowledges that while AI presents extraordinary opportunities for increased productivity and innovation, it also poses risks as the economy evolves. By establishing the AIEI, the government intends to proactively manage these challenges and ensure that the benefits of AI development are shared across society. The AIEI will focus on creating analytical frameworks and data infrastructures necessary for rigorous assessments of AI's economic impacts. This includes evaluating the potential distribution of AI gains among different demographics, regions, and sectors. Under the leadership of Professor Simon Johnson, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and former Chief Economist at the IMF, the Institute will work closely with major tech firms such as Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic. In addition to collaborating with industry leaders, the AIEI will engage with academia and civil society to inform its research and ensure that it addresses pressing policy questions. The Institute is poised to play a vital role in shaping UK governmental strategies regarding AI's evolution. Read more on GOV.UK
The UK government has established the AI Economics Institute (AIEI) to analyze the economic effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and inform policymaking, ensuring equitable growth amidst AI advancements.
Oriana Bandiera Receives the EEA 2026 Birgit Grodal Award
The Committee specifically acknowledged Prof. Bandiera’s pathbreaking research across development, labor, and organizational economics. Her scholarship combines in-depth theoretical understanding with empirical innovation, providing significant policy relevance. Three specific areas of her research were highlighted by the Committee: First, her work using personnel data and field experiments illustrates how social ties influence effort, incentives, and productivity in workplace settings. This research emphasizes that understanding workplace dynamics requires going beyond traditional monetary incentives to include social connections and peer influences. Second, Bandiera has made crucial contributions to development economics, particularly regarding poverty traps. Her insights help design effective interventions that can facilitate sustained exits from extreme poverty. Third, her research has focused on public service delivery in contexts with weak institutions. Bandiera has explored how prosocial motivations and performance incentives can enhance public service, generating crucial insights for the effective recruitment and deployment of workers delivering essential public goods. The award committee consists of Silvana Tenreyro (Chair), Mariacristina De Nardi, Christian Schultz, Ekaterina Zhuravskaya, and Fabrizio Zilibotti. The EEA expresses its pride in honoring such a talented economist and extends its warm congratulations to Oriana Bandiera for her achievements. CEPR also recognised the achievement in a press release. Prof. Bandiera is a Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a research fellow at CEPR, where she was also Programme Director of the Development Economics Programme from 2015-2018. She is also a fellow of numerous other organisations, including the Econometric Society, cesIFO, IZA and the British Academy. She is a former President of the EEA and a former editor of Econometrica. For more information about Prof. Bandiera and her work, visit her personal site. For more about the award and its recipients, visit here.
The European Economic Association has announced Oriana Bandiera of the London School of Economics as the 2026 recipient of the Birgit Grodal Award for her exceptional contributions to the field of economics.
Deloitte UK Appoints Debapratim De as Chief Economist
Having joined the firm 16 years ago as an economist, Debo has significantly contributed to Deloitte’s macroeconomic strategies, most recently as the director of economic research. In his new position, De will take over from Ian Stewart, who is retiring after 19 years of service in the chief economist role. De is expected to bring fresh insights into the evolving global economy, focusing on the impacts of geopolitics, artificial intelligence, and energy markets, which are critical as businesses navigate through transformative changes. Expressing his excitement about the role, Debapratim De stated, "I’m looking forward to helping our clients navigate major structural and cyclical shifts in the economy during this period of uncertainty. It's an honor to lead such an exceptional team of economists at Deloitte. Exploring the transformation of the world economy is both challenging and rewarding." De’s depth of expertise will support the firm's commitment to providing insightful economic analysis and will help address the evolving challenges faced by clients in various sectors. For more information, visit Deloitte UK’s press release.
Debapratim De, former director of economic research, has been promoted to chief economist at Deloitte UK, succeeding Ian Stewart, who retires after nearly two decades in the role.
Global Economy Prize 2026 Awarded to Sabine Weyand and Martin Wolf
This year’s award will go to Martin Wolf and Sabine Weyand. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the City of Kiel, and the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce announced this year’s prize recipients today. The prize honors individuals who have engaged in an outstanding way with the challenges of economic and political integration as well as the future of open societies. On the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum, this year’s award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions in addressing the challenges of economic and political integration, the dangers of populism, and the future of open societies: Sabine Weyand: Director-General for Trade and Economic Security at the European Commission until May 2026, now Special Adviser for European Strategic Partnerships. Martin Wolf: Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times. The award ceremony will occur during Kiel Week on June 22, 2026, at the Hotel Kieler Kaufmann, with both recipients expected to attend. Prof. Dr. Moritz Schularick, President of the Kiel Institute, praised Weyand for her role in strengthening Europe’s negotiating capabilities and Wolf for his contributions to understanding economic and political upheavals globally. More information about the prize and about the winners can be found in the Kiel Institute press release.
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy announces the winners of the 2026 Global Economy Prize.
Princeton University Celebrates Class Day 2026 with Awards for Economics Graduates
Economics Department Chair Wolfgang Pesendorfer recognized the class’s academic achievements, sharing that this year’s class comprises 168 students, marking a department record. Notably, 123 graduates also earned minors in various programs, including 54 who received a Minor in Finance and 20 in Political Economy. “Congratulations to all of you for your many varied and extraordinary accomplishments,” remarked Pesendorfer. Award Highlights Koda Gursoy received the prestigious Halbert White ’72 Prize in Economics for excellence in coursework and thesis creativity. Among other notable awards, Felipe de Bolle was awarded the John Glover Wilson Memorial Award for his thesis on financial inclusion in Brazil, while Joe Tyson received the Walter C. Sauer ’28 Prize for his research on mobile money in Africa. The department also recognized outstanding policy-relevant theses with several awards, with winners including Andy Duan and Jake Simon. Gursoy took home multiple prizes, further highlighting his exceptional work. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has already been accepted to the Economics PhD Program at MIT, which he will commence in the fall of 2026. This year's graduates from Princeton will be in good stead to continue their studies in the context of a Masters or PhD program. Recognition Beyond Economics Recognising economics-relevant contributions from outside the department, Emmanuela Omole (Environmental Science) earned the Henry Horn Prize for her research on housing crises in Ireland, and Sarina Sheth received an honorable mention for her thesis in Global Health. Pesendorfer also acknowledged the contributions of graduate student preceptors and faculty advisors, along with recognizing the student athletes of the department. More details of the ceremony and the winners can be found in the Princeton press release.
Princeton University's Economics Department commemorated the annual Class Day on May 25, 2026, honoring graduates' accomplishments, including outstanding thesis awards and recognitions.