Yrjö Jahnsson Award
The Yrjö Jahnsson Award is a prestigious biennial award given by the European Economic Association (EEA) in collaboration with the Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation. It is named after Yrjö Jahnsson, a notable Finnish economics professor at the University of Helsinki. The award is presented to European economists who have made significant contributions to theoretical and applied research in economics. Specifically, the award targets economists under the age of 45 who have exhibited exceptional skill and promise in their field.
History and Establishment
The award was established by the Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation, which was founded in 1954 by Hilma Jahnsson, the wife of Yrjö Jahnsson. The foundation itself aims to support research and education in economics and has been a pivotal sponsor of the award since its inception.
Criteria and Selection Process
The selection process for the award involves an esteemed committee composed of renowned economists. For example, past committees have included individuals such as Orazio Attanasio, Philippe Aghion, Oriana Bandiera, Morten Ravn, Hannu Vartiainen, and Jaume Ventura. The committee evaluates candidates based on their contributions to economic research, with a focus on innovation and impact in both theoretical and applied contexts.
Notable Recipients
Over the years, several distinguished economists have been recipients of the Yrjö Jahnsson Award. Some notable awardees include:
- Thomas Piketty, awarded in 2013 for his contributions to the understanding of wealth inequality.
- John Van Reenen, recognized for his work in productivity and innovation.
- Tim Besley, a recipient in 2005 known for his work in public economics and political economy.
- Michèle Tertilt, awarded in 2017 for her research on family economics and gender roles.
- Nobuhiro Kiyotaki, recognized for his influential work in macroeconomics and monetary theory.
Influence and Impact
The Yrjö Jahnsson Award is considered one of the most prestigious accolades for young economists in Europe, akin to the John Bates Clark Medal awarded in the United States. It is instrumental in highlighting emerging talent in the economic field and serves as a catalyst for further research and academic excellence. Recipients often continue to make substantial contributions to the field, influencing both policy and academic discourse.