Navya Naveli, Pune
The renowned Indian-American economist Raj Chetty has won the prestigious George Ledlie Prize for using big data to dispel misconceptions and preconceptions about those who achieve the American Dream and the difficulties faced by those who don’t. In addition to teaching economics at Harvard University, Chetty also oversees Opportunity Insights, a group of Harvard economists that specializes in research on inequality.
Alan M. Garber, the University Provost and Chief Academic Officer, said that the American Dream is becoming more accessible to everyone because of Raj’s innovative research on economic mobility and his efforts to inform policymakers about the data.
The distinguished Harvard University’s George Ledlie Prize was also awarded to Chetty and biologist Michael Springer for creating a quicker, better, and more precise COVID test method to stop the spread of the disease. Springer is a professor of systems biology at Harvard Medical School. The new Harvard University Clinical Laboratory (HUCL), which handled the testing and the samples, was also part of the design and operation.
The Ledlie Prize is awarded every two years to a member of the Harvard community who has made the most beneficial contribution to science or to the good of humanity. Mike and Raj have made remarkable contributions to their respective fields of study now and in the future. They are also devoted to enhancing the welfare of others.
Chetty claimed his interest was sparked by his past, i.e., moving to the US with his parents when he was nine years old, and how only he could pursue higher education as his parents couldn’t afford to give advanced education to all the children. He said he feels like coming to Harvard and getting the opportunities that have originated over the generations in my own family. According to Chetty, the influence of Geography significantly affects the outcome of the children, as it teaches you about economic opportunities. His previous research centered on lowering racial differences, economic segregation, social capital, relationships, etc.
Chetty cites new projects and programs as evidence that the influence of the study is already seen on a global scale. The significance of the Ledlie Prize’s acknowledgment of his work has been greatly influenced by its acceptance of economics as a science.