Edward Ludwig Glaeser stands as a preeminent figure in contemporary economic thought, renowned for his transformative contributions to urban economics and policy. He currently holds the distinguished position of Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics at Harvard University, where he has shaped economic discourse since joining the faculty in 1992. Born in New York City in 1967, Glaeser received his AB in economics from Princeton University in 1988 before earning his PhD from the University of Chicago in 1992. His academic leadership extends beyond teaching, having served as Director of the Taubman Center for State and Local Government and the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, while also directing the Cities Research Programme at the International Growth Centre.
Professor Glaeser's seminal research has fundamentally reshaped understanding of cities as dynamic engines of economic growth and human innovation. His work demonstrating the economic and social benefits of dense and abundant housing in urban environments has challenged conventional wisdom and influenced policy debates worldwide. Through hundreds of scholarly papers and influential books including Triumph of the City, which was praised by The New York Times for being polymathic and vibrant, he has established cities as critical centers for idea transmission and human achievement. His empirical approach to urban economics has provided rigorous evidence for how proximity and density foster innovation, productivity, and social mobility in metropolitan areas. This body of work has positioned him as the leading economic voice on urban policy, with his insights directly informing urban planning decisions across multiple continents.
Beyond his scholarly contributions, Glaeser's intellectual leadership has significantly shaped the field through his editorial role at the Quarterly Journal of Economics from 1998 to 2008 and his ongoing mentorship of the next generation of economists. His exceptional contributions have been recognized through election as a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Academy of Political and Social Science, and the Econometric Society, along with receiving the prestigious Albert O. Hirschman prize from the Social Science Research Council. As chair of the Advisory Council of the Liveable London unit at Policy Exchange and through his work with the Manhattan Institute and City Journal, he continues to translate academic insights into practical policy recommendations. Glaeser remains actively engaged in current research on urban development, infrastructure, and poverty reduction, ensuring his work continues to address the most pressing economic challenges of our time.
