AI Research
Jun 26, 2026
David Autor appointed head of MIT's Department of Economics starting July 1
Jun 26, 2026
AI Summary
David Autor has been named the new head of the Department of Economics at MIT, effective July 1. He succeeds Jon Gruber and aims to address budget challenges while advancing research and teaching in light of AI developments.
- David Autor is the Daniel (1972) and Gail Rubinfeld Professor in the MIT Department of Economics.
- He has been appointed as the head of the Department of Economics, effective July 1, succeeding Jon Gruber.
- Autor's research focuses on the labor-market effects of technological change and globalization, including job polarization and inequality.
- He has been at MIT since 1999 and has expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Institute.
- Autor aims to maintain high academic standards while navigating budget constraints and exploring AI's impact on education and research.
- He serves as co-director of the National Bureau of Economic Research Labor Studies Program and has received multiple awards for his scholarship and teaching.
- Autor holds a BA in psychology from Tufts University and a PhD in public policy from Harvard University.
- He has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award and the Andrew Carnegie Fellowship.
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