Abhijit Banerjee, the Indian-born Nobel laureate in Economics, is all set to join the University of Zurich as a faculty member, marking another milestone in his remarkable academic journey. Known for his pioneering work on poverty alleviation and development economics, Banerjee’s research has reshaped the way governments and organisations think about economic policy and social welfare. His move to Zurich reflects his ongoing commitment to global education and research, continuing his mission to create real-world impact through evidence-based economics.
I chose to write about Abhijit Banerjee because his journey—from a middle-class student in Kolkata to a globally respected economist—represents the true spirit of intellectual pursuit and perseverance. His achievements highlight the importance of critical thinking and social responsibility in education. For young students in India and abroad, his story serves as both an inspiration and a roadmap on how strong academic foundations and curiosity-driven research can shape the world. As he begins this new chapter in Switzerland, it’s worth tracing the milestones that define his education and career path.
Early Life and Education
Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee was born in 1961 in Mumbai and grew up in Kolkata. His parents, both academics, played an important role in shaping his love for learning. He studied at South Point High School in Kolkata, one of the city’s premier institutions known for nurturing bright minds.
After finishing school, Banerjee pursued his undergraduate degree in economics at Presidency College, Kolkata, where his interest in development and poverty-related issues began to take shape. He later completed his Master’s degree at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, where he was known for his sharp intellect and independent thinking.
In 1988, he earned his PhD in Economics from Harvard University, where his doctoral research focused on India’s economic policy and development challenges. His time at Harvard laid the foundation for the analytical and field-based approach that later became the hallmark of his work.
Academic and Research Career
Abhijit Banerjee began his teaching career at Harvard University before joining the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he continues to serve as the Ford Foundation International Professor of Economics. Alongside his wife and research partner Esther Duflo, he co-founded the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) in 2003.
J-PAL has since grown into one of the world’s leading research centres focused on reducing poverty through scientific methods and field experiments. The lab’s studies have influenced policy decisions in more than 80 countries, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Banerjee’s work is marked by his practical, evidence-driven approach to economic challenges. He believes that the fight against poverty requires not just theory but real-world testing of solutions—a principle that guides most of his research and policy recommendations.
Nobel Prize and Major Achievements
In 2019, Abhijit Banerjee, along with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. The Nobel Committee recognised their contribution in transforming development economics into a field based on practical evidence rather than abstract assumptions.
Some of his well-known works include books like “Poor Economics” (co-authored with Duflo) and “Good Economics for Hard Times.” Both books simplify complex economic ideas and connect them to everyday realities, making economics accessible to the general reader.
Over the years, Banerjee has advised several governments, including India, on public policy, education reforms, and welfare programs. His ability to combine academic depth with practical solutions has made him one of the most respected voices in global economics.
New Role at the University of Zurich
As Abhijit Banerjee prepares to join the University of Zurich, he will continue his work in development economics and policy research. The move is seen as part of his broader effort to collaborate with European institutions and expand his research network across continents.
The University of Zurich, known for its strong economics faculty and global outreach, will provide Banerjee with a platform to further his studies on poverty, inequality, and behavioural economics. His presence is expected to inspire a new generation of economists focused on real-world change through academic rigor.
