Heroes of Economic Science

Honoring the pioneers who laid the foundations for experimental rigor, causal inference, and market design.

Portrait of Vernon L. Smith

Vernon L. Smith

Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (2002)

For establishing laboratory experiments as a tool in empirical economic analysis, especially in the study of alternative market mechanisms. His pioneering work laid the groundwork for the field of experimental economics.

Portrait of Trygve Haavelmo

Trygve Haavelmo

Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (1989)

For his clarification of the probability theory foundations of econometrics and his analyses of simultaneous economic structures. His work was instrumental in formalizing the structural approach to causal inference.

Portrait of Elinor Ostrom

Elinor Ostrom

Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (2009)

For her analysis of economic governance, especially the commons. She masterfully blended field studies with laboratory experiments to challenge conventional wisdom about collective action and institutional design.

Portrait of Cristina Bicchieri

Cristina Bicchieri

S. J. Patterson Harvie Professor, University of Pennsylvania

For her groundbreaking work on the measurement and behavioral impact of social norms. By bridging philosophy and experimental economics, her research provides rigorous frameworks for positive social change.

Portrait of Charles Manski

Charles Manski

Board of Trustees Professor, Northwestern University

For his foundational contributions to econometrics, particularly the development of partial identification. His frameworks allow researchers to draw credible causal inferences when data is incomplete or assumptions are weak.

Portrait of Esther Duflo

Esther Duflo

Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (2019) / MIT

For her pioneering experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. By championing the use of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in development economics, she transformed the field's standard for causal evidence.

Portrait of Charles Holt

Charles Holt

A. Willis Robertson Professor, University of Virginia

For his foundational contributions to experimental economics, particularly his pioneering work on risk aversion and the development of the Holt-Laury measure, as well as his creation of Veconlab to advance economics education worldwide.