Esther Duflo is a renowned French-American economist known for her work in development economics and poverty alleviation. She has significantly advanced the understanding of how policy interventions can effectively improve living conditions in impoverished communities. Her research often involves randomized controlled trials to assess the impact of various programs, making her a pioneer in applying scientific methods to economic development. Duflo has held several academic positions and is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Alongside her husband, Abhijit Banerjee, she co-founded the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), which promotes innovative research to inform policy decisions worldwide. Her work has earned her international recognition, including the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2019.
Esther Duflo's approach to economics emphasizes evidence-based policies and practical solutions to reduce global poverty. Her contributions have influenced governments and organizations to adopt more effective strategies grounded in rigorous scientific testing. Through her research and advocacy, she has helped shape contemporary development policy and inspired new generations of economists.