The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is proud to announce the upcoming Katznelson Fellow Lecture, featuring Nobel Prize-winner Esther Duflo from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This highly anticipated event will take place in 2024 and promises to be a thought-provoking and enlightening experience for all attendees.
Esther Duflo is a renowned economist who has made significant contributions to the field of social science research. Her work has focused on poverty alleviation and development economics, and she has received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking research. In 2019, she became the second woman and the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Prize in Economics, along with her colleagues Abhijit Banerjee and Michael Kremer.
The theme of Duflo’s lecture is “The Economist as Plumber,” which may seem like an unusual title at first glance. However, it perfectly encapsulates her unique approach to economics and her belief that economists should be “plumbers” who fix real-world problems rather than just theorists who come up with abstract solutions.
Duflo’s work is characterized by her use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of various policies and interventions aimed at reducing poverty. RCTs are a scientific method commonly used in medical research, but Duflo has successfully applied them to the field of economics. This approach allows her to gather concrete evidence and data to inform policy decisions, rather than relying on assumptions or ideologies.
In her lecture, Duflo will discuss the importance of using evidence-based methods in economics and how it can lead to more effective and impactful policies. She will also share some of her own research findings and how they have influenced policy decisions in different countries.
One of Duflo’s most notable contributions to the field of economics is her work on the impact of microfinance on poverty reduction. Microfinance, which provides small loans to individuals in developing countries, was once hailed as a solution to poverty. However, Duflo’s research showed that the impact of microfinance was not as significant as previously thought, and in some cases, it even had negative effects. This finding challenged the traditional view of microfinance and led to a more nuanced understanding of its role in poverty alleviation.
Duflo’s research has also shed light on other important issues such as education, health, and gender equality. Her work has influenced policy decisions in countries around the world, including India, where her research on education led to the implementation of a program that improved learning outcomes for children.
Apart from her groundbreaking research, Duflo is also known for her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the field of economics. She is a strong advocate for increasing the representation of women and people from underrepresented groups in economics and has co-founded organizations such as the Women in Economics Initiative and the Duflo Initiative to support this cause.
The SSRC is honored to have Esther Duflo as the 2024 Katznelson Fellow and is excited to hear her insights on the role of economists in addressing real-world problems. Her lecture promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring event for all those interested in the field of social science research.
In conclusion, the 2024 SSRC Katznelson Fellow Lecture featuring Esther Duflo is an event not to be missed. Duflo’s innovative approach to economics and her dedication to using evidence-based methods to tackle poverty and other social issues make her a true inspiration. We look forward to welcoming her and learning from her expertise in 2024.
