Jacob Hand, Courtesy of the University of Chicago

The Keller Center, which houses the Harris School of Public Policy.

On October 14, James Robinson, Reverend Dr. Richard L. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. He is the 101st Nobel Laureate affiliated with the University and the 34th in the field of Economic Sciences.

Robinson received the 2024 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for his groundbreaking research on the formation and impact of institutions on global prosperity, alongside his collaborators and fellow recipients Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson, professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Nobel Committee recognized the trio “for studies of how institutions are formed and affect poverty.”

University President Paul Alivisatos joined Robinson at a press conference on campus on October 14 to celebrate the honor.

“His [Robinson’s] work is a testament to the University of Chicago’s tradition of deep inquiry and its commitment to improving the world,” Alivisatos said. “It is work that well extends beyond the world of academia. From the United Nations to the World Bank, leaders draw on Robinson’s work as they seek to transform society for the better.”

Robinson’s work reveals why societies with strong, inclusive institutions experience sustained growth. In particular, the Nobel Committee acknowledged his investigation of how colonization shapes institutions in different regions.

“When Europeans colonized large parts of the globe, the institutions in those societies changed,” the Nobel Committee commented, referencing Robinson’s studies. “While many colonial structures aimed to exploit indigenous populations, others laid the groundwork for inclusive political and economic systems that enabled long-term growth.”

Robinson’s contributions extend beyond theory, as he has also conducted extensive research in countries including Bolivia, Colombia, Haiti, and Nigeria. His work employs a mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods like case studies and fieldwork, which have allowed him to work directly with local communities and observe the impact that institutional structures have on them.

Robinson’s recognition marks the latest addition to the rich legacy of Nobel honors at UChicago. The University’s “Chicago School of Economics” has shaped the discipline, contributing ideas that have redefined global economic thought and practice.

“[My research partners and I] have lots of things on our plate,” Robinson said during an interview right after the announcement of the prize. “We have lots of projects and research ideas…. There’s lots of things that we still don’t understand, so I would like to get on with that.”