Origins & Early Life

Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee (Bengali pronunciation: [obʱid͡ʒit̪ binae̯ɔk bɔnd̪opad̪ʱːae̯]; born 21 February 1961) is an Indian American economist who is currently the Lemann Foundation Professor in Economics at the University of Zurich (UZH). He is co-founder and co-director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), an MIT based global research center promoting the use of scientific evidence to inform poverty alleviation strategies. In 2019, Banerjee shared the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer, "for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty." He and Esther Duflo are married, and became the sixth married couple to jointly win a Nobel or Nobel Memorial Prize on economic sciences. Banerjee's academic appointments include being a fellow of the Econometric Society, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1994, he received a Sloan Research Fellowship, awarded annually to early career researchers with the "potential to revolutionize their fields." According to Research Papers in Economics, Banerjee is among the most productive development economists in...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aaron Sorkin — Contemporary (Born in 1961) (1961): Master of fast-paced dialogue, known for 'walk and talk' storytelling.
• Andrew Forrest — Contemporary (Born in 1961) (1961): Pioneering Australian mining magnate and philanthropist, founder of Fortescue.
• Andy Lau — Contemporary (Born in 1961) (1961): Iconic Hong Kong actor, singer, and producer with a four-decade global career.
• Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi — Shared historical date (02-21 · Died) (1543): Imam and General of the Adal Sultanate, known for conquering Abyssinia.
• Alan Rickman — Shared historical date (02-21 · Born) (1946): Iconic English actor celebrated for his distinctive voice and powerful stage presence.
• Anna May Wong — Historical peer (Died in 1961) (1961): Pioneering Chinese-American star, recognized for international film success.
• Arundhati Roy — Historical peer (Born in 1961) (1961): Acclaimed Indian author and vocal human rights activist.
• Agnès Varda — Historical peer (Died in 2019) (2019): Pioneering French filmmaker, artist, and documentarian celebrated for her unique vision.
• Akihito — Historical peer (Died in 2019) (2019): 125th Emperor of Japan; reigned during the Heisei era (1989-2019).
• Ahmed Ali (writer) — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Pioneering Urdu writer, poet, and diplomat from British India to Pakistan.
• 1961 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1961
• February 21 (02-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 21