Message from the Executive Director

Founded in 2003, the Program for Economic Research (PER) Columbia University funds research to address the economic challenges, trends, and policies affecting people around the world. Through the years, our mission of service remains that of supporting research activities at the highest possible level, disseminating new results, and informing our global understanding of economic issues.

PER’s diverse portfolio of academic programs and initiatives combines theory with practical application, emphasizing open access and active learning. With scholars across every economic discipline, our affiliated researchers study a wide range of topics and they employ many different methods in their work. Key focus areas include developing innovative statistical measurements, estimating quantitative models of economic behavior, and analyzing the effects of public policies at home and abroad. Currently, PER is the home of five such initiatives. The most recent addition is the Alternative Data Initiative, which allows students to apply for access to macroeconomic and financial datasets held by Capital Fund Management.

PER offers full-time predoctoral research assistantships through its Predoctoral Program. This year, we are pleased to welcome Leonardo De Campos, Arya Gadage, Enrico Ruggieri, Isaac Shon, and Nicole Theinova, who join Barthelemy Bikoi, Theo Burden, Daniel Diaz, Hriday Karnani, Francine Montecinos Puente, and Andrea Scalenghe. More information about our program can be found here.

The scholars who come to PER through our Weekly Visitor, Mini Course, and Distinguished Lecture programs are a vital part of our work and outreach. I am delighted to share that Maitreesh Ghatak (London School of Economics and Political Science), Kiminori Matsuyama (Northwestern University), and Ariel Rubinstein (NYU and Tel Aviv University), among others, will join us through these programs this academic year.

I encourage you to take advantage of all that we offer. Explore the rich resources on this website and join our events in person.

I’m looking forward to seeing you at a PER event soon. Have a great year!

Sincerely,

Harrison Hong
John R. Eckel Jr. Professor of Financial Economics, Department of Economics
Executive Director, Program for Economic Research (PER) – Columbia University