David Autor named head of the Department of Economics
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. Benjamin Daniel | School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Publication Date : June 26, 2026 Press Inquiries Press Contact : Michael Brindley Email: brindley@mit.
Key Takeaways
- edu MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences : Economist David Autor, head of the Department of Economics, explores the labor-market impacts of technological change and globalization on job polarization, skill demands, earnings levels and inequality, and electoral outcomes.
- I look forward to welcoming him to the school's leadership team.
" 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.
- "Stepping into this role is a chance to contribute to a place that has shaped me at every stage.
" Autor succeeds Jon Gruber, the Ford Professor of Economics, who has served as department head since July 2023.
- He earned a BA in psychology from Tufts University in 1989 and a PhD in public policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in 1999.
Autor has received numerous awards for both his scholarship - the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, an Alfred P.
- 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. Benjamin Daniel | School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Publication Date : June 26, 2026 Press Inquiries Press Contact : Michael Brindley Email: brindley@mit.
edu MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences : Economist David Autor, head of the Department of Economics, explores the labor-market impacts of technological change and globalization on job polarization, skill demands, earnings levels and inequality, and electoral outcomes. 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. I look forward to welcoming him to the school's leadership team.
For more details please read the original article at MIT News AI.
Continue Learning
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation