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🏛️MIT News AI
June 26, 2026
Tech

David Autor named head of the Department of Economics

Overview

A faculty member since 1999, Autor is a leading researcher in artificial intelligence and the work of the future. Economist David Autor, the Daniel (1972) and Gail Rubinfeld Professor in the MIT Department of Economics, has been named head of the Department of Economics effective July 1, 2026. Credits : Photo courtesy of the Department of Economics.

Key Takeaways

  • Previous image Next image David Autor, the Daniel (1972) and Gail Rubinfeld Professor in the MIT Department of Economics, has been named head of the Department of Economics, effective July 1.

    "David is a world-class labor economist," says Agustín Rayo, the Kenan Sahin Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

  • Autor's scholarship explores the labor-market impacts of technological change and globalization on job polarization, skill demands, earnings levels and inequality, and electoral outcomes.
  • Autor succeeds Jon Gruber, the Ford Professor of Economics, who has served as department head since July 2023.

    Autor says he "aims to build on the stellar standard set by its faculty and students while navigating budget tightening and a shifting political landscape."

  • Autor has received numerous awards for both his scholarship - the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, an Alfred P.

    Sloan Foundation Fellowship, the Sherwin Rosen Prize for outstanding contributions to the field of Labor Economics, the Andrew Carnegie Fellowship in 2019, the Society for Progress Medal in 2021 - and for his teaching, including the MIT MacVicar Faculty Fellowship, the James A.

  • In 2024, Autor was one of five senior scholars selected by the Schmidt Sciences Foundation as an AI2050 Senior Fellow.

Stats & Key Facts

  • #In 2020, Autor received the Heinz 25th Special Recognition Award from the Heinz Family Foundation for his work "transforming our understanding of how globalization and technological change are impacting jobs and earning prospects for American workers."

Economist David Autor, the Daniel (1972) and Gail Rubinfeld Professor in the MIT Department of Economics, has been named head of the Department of Economics effective July 1, 2026. A faculty member since 1999, Autor is a leading researcher in artificial intelligence and the work of the future. Credits : Photo courtesy of the Department of Economics.

Previous image Next image David Autor, the Daniel (1972) and Gail Rubinfeld Professor in the MIT Department of Economics, has been named head of the Department of Economics, effective July 1. "David is a world-class labor economist," says Agustín Rayo, the Kenan Sahin Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. "He is also an individual of wisdom and insight.

Stone Center on Inequality and Shaping the Future of Work . "I've been at MIT since 1999, and I owe my career to the Institute, the department, and colleagues who are as kind as they are accomplished," Autor says. "Stepping into this role is a chance to contribute to a place that has shaped me at every stage."

For more details please read the original article at MIT News AI.

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Originally published by MIT News AI
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