Zurich | October 12, 2025 — Nobel Prize-winning economists Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo are set to leave the United States and join the University of Zurich (UZH) next year, the institution announced on Friday.
The husband-and-wife duo, currently professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), will begin their new roles in July 2026. They will also establish the Lemann Center for Development, Education and Public Policy, aimed at advancing global research on poverty, education, and policy reform.
Shift Amid Concerns Over US Academic Climate
While the university’s statement did not specify the reasons behind their move, it comes at a time when academics in the United States have raised concerns about cuts to research funding and growing political pressure on universities.
Experts say the trend could fuel a “brain drain” from the US, as countries like Switzerland seek to attract top scientists and researchers.
In March, Duflo — a French-American economist — co-signed an editorial in Le Monde warning of “unprecedented attacks on US science” and urging global support for academic independence.
New Roles in Switzerland
According to UZH, both Banerjee and Duflo will hold endowed professorships funded by the Lemann Foundation. Their new center will focus on policy-driven research and building networks between scholars and education policymakers worldwide.
“We are delighted that two of the world’s most influential economists are joining UZH,” said Michael Schaepman, President of the University of Zurich.
Duflo said the new center would allow the pair to “build on and expand our work, which bridges academic research, student mentorship, and real-world policy impact.”
Both economists will continue to hold part-time appointments at MIT, ensuring ongoing collaboration with their existing research teams.
About the Nobel-Winning Economists
Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo — along with Michael Kremer — were awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics for their pioneering “experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.” Their work has influenced anti-poverty policies and education programs across developing countries, including India.
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics is expected to be announced on Monday.
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