Conference in Honor of Joel Mokyr
The Department of Economics, Department of History, Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, and the Center for Economic History welcomed scholars from around the world to the Kellogg Global Hub on May 29–30, 2026 for the Conference in Honor of Joel Mokyr, celebrating Professor Mokyr's extraordinary career, lasting contributions to economic history, and enduring impact as a mentor and colleague. Organized by Ran Abramitzky, Carola Frydman, Walker Hanlon, and Nancy Qian, the conference brought together leading researchers, alumni, collaborators, and current Northwestern students for two days of lively discussion spanning political economy, technological change, institutions, culture, and long-run economic development.
The program featured presentations from an outstanding group of scholars, including José-Antonio Espín-Sánchez, Mara P. Squicciarini, Leander Heldring, Jared Rubin, Ralf Meisenzahl, Karine Van Der Beek, and Ken Pomeranz, alongside presentations by current Northwestern PhD students. Keynote lectures by Guido Tabellini and Cormac O'Grada reflected many of the themes that have defined Professor Mokyr's scholarship, exploring the roles of culture, institutions, innovation, and historical change in shaping economic development. Lunch remarks by Prof. Joseph Ferrie, a reception, and an evening dinner provided opportunities for former students, colleagues, and friends to reflect on Professor Mokyr's remarkable legacy as a pioneering scholar, dedicated mentor, and builder of one of the world's leading centers for economic history.
