Peter Howitt Visits Northwestern
On March 9, 2026, the Department of Economics was thrilled to welcome back Northwestern Ph.D. alumnus and 2025 Nobel Laureate Peter Howitt '73 for a special lecture and reception celebrating his remarkable contributions to the field of economics. During his visit, Prof. Howitt met with faculty, graduate students, and a group of current undergraduate economics students accompanied by Profs. Mark Witte and Jonas Jin, sharing insights from his academic journey and offering advice on research, mentorship, and pursuing a career in economics.
During his lecture, On the Road to Creative Destruction and Beyond, Prof. Howitt reflected on his years as a Northwestern graduate student, his experiences as a professor, and the intellectual path that led to his groundbreaking work with Philippe Aghion. Prof. Howitt discussed how their long-standing collaboration developed into the theory of creative destruction, research that ultimately earned them the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. The event brought together students, alumni, faculty, and friends of the department to celebrate Professor Howitt's achievements and the lasting impact of his scholarship on the study of innovation and economic growth.
