Social sciences [2025-02-21]

Prof. Oded Galor awarded an honorary doctorate by NCU

— Editors

Professor Oded Galor, a prominent economist from Brown University in Providence, received an honorary doctorate from the NCU during the University Day celebrations. The award was conferred on the scholar in recognition of his merits in research into the causes of economic development and for formulating a unified theory of economic growth.

The decision to award Prof Oded Galor with an honorary title was taken by the NCU Senate in Resolution No 78 of 17 December 2024 on the basis of the scholar's outstanding achievements. The laureate's profile was presented by dr habil. Marlena Ciechan-Kujawa, prof. NCU, Dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management at the NCU, and the laudatio was delivered by the supervisor, prof. dr habil. Magdalena Osińska from the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management.

Professor Oded Galor, a distinguished economist widely recognised for his pioneering research in the areas of comparative growth and development, population economics and evolutionary economics, holds the prestigious Herbert H. Goldberger Professor of Economics position at Brown University in Providence. Known for his innovative research and deep interdisciplinary approach, he has transformed contemporary understanding of long-term economic dynamics by focusing on the interplay of population, technology and non-equality throughout human history.

Oded Galor's academic journey began at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees in economics. He received his PhD degree from Columbia University in 1984, which marked the beginning of his illustrious academic career. He soon joined Brown University, where he became a central figure in developing economic theory and mentoring future scholars. Professor Galor has also been a visiting professor at universities such as Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, significantly increasing his impact on global science.

A central pillar of his contribution to science is the creation and development of the unified theory of growth - a novel framework that integrates insights from history, biology and economics and explains the transition of societies from millennial stagnation to sustainable economic growth. His landmark book Unified Growth Theory (2011) is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the field. The 2022 work, The Journey of Humanity: the Origins of Wealth and Inequality, exploring the fundamental forces shaping human development, established the Professor's scholarly reputation. Translated into more than 30 languages, the book has won prestigious accolades, including the Yaesu Book Award (Grand Prize) in Japan, and was listed as one of The Times' top 13 philosophy and ideas books of 2022. Both works have confirmed Prof Galor's role as a thought leader in understanding the drivers of both prosperity and inequality.

Professor Galor's publications have achieved the Hirsch index of 33 in Web of Science, 38 in Scopus and 65 in Google Scholar. According to RePeC, a service developed for economics, business, finance and econometrics, the researcher is among the 1 per cent most influential economists in the world, with a Hirsch index of 45.

Professor Galor's research has provided in-depth insights on topics such as genetic diversity, cultural fragmentation and the sources of inequality. His scholarly articles have been published in leading journals, including the American Economic Review, Econometrica and the Review of Economic Studies, shedding light on the deep-rooted historical, geographical and cultural factors influencing contemporary economic disparities, cementing the author's reputation as a think-leader in the field.

Professor Galor's outstanding scientific achievements have been honoured with numerous honorary doctorates awarded by, among others, the Athens University of Economics and Business, Université Catholique de Louvain and the Poznań University of Economics. Oded Galor is also a member of organisations such as the Econometric Society and the Academy of Europe.

Professor Oded Galor has also served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Economic Growth since 1995 and has held editorial positions in other prominent journals, including the Journal of Population Economics and Macroeconomic Dynamics.

Professor Galor's influence extends far beyond academic circles. He has given keynote speeches at major conferences by invitation, including the United Nations Digital Health Symposium, as well as prestigious lectures such as the Rafael del Pino Master Lecture and the Copernican Lecture. His public engagement, including participation in podcasts, media appearances and book festivals, has brought his scholarly work to a wider audience, making complex economic theories accessible and meaningful.