The renowned French economist Philippe Aghion will be awarded the 6th Hypatia Prize in a ceremony at Barcelona City Hall in Spring 2026. Recognized for his innovative contributions to economics, Aghion’s work aligns with the city’s commitment to research and innovation.

 

The City Council of Barcelona has announced that French economist and professor Philippe Aghion will be awarded the prestigious 6th Hypatia Prize. The award ceremony is set to take place at the Saló de Cent in Barcelona City Hall during the spring of 2026.

This accolade, awarded in collaboration with the Barcelona Knowledge Hub of Academia Europaea, recognizes Aghion for his significant contributions to the fields of innovation, economic growth, and the theory of creative destruction. The announcement reflects a timely recognition, as it follows shortly after the Swedish Academy awarded him the Nobel Prize in Economy for his collaborative work with Joel Mokyr and Peter Howitt.

The international jury for the Hypatia Prize commended Aghion during their September deliberations, citing his influential theoretical contributions that have shaped public policies worldwide. Barcelona's Mayor, Jaume Collboni, congratulated Aghion in a letter, emphasizing the city’s aim to honor notable scientific achievements and strengthen its role as a European capital of research and innovation.

Philippe Aghion, born in Paris in 1956 and a Harvard Ph.D. holder, currently serves as a professor at the Collège de France, INSEAD, and the London School of Economics. His works, including "Endogenous Growth Theory" and "The Power of Creative Destruction", have earned him global recognition with over 136,000 citations, demonstrating his wide-reaching impact on the economic landscape.

Established in 2018, the Hypatia Prize is aimed at consolidating Barcelona’s status as a center for science and knowledge and carries a monetary award of 30,000 euros for outstanding research contributions that positively impact humanity.

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