Anna Salomons receives Role Models in Economics Award for her scholarly work and contribution to the public good
European Economic Association (EEA) values her ‘lead by example’
Anna Salomons is this year’s recipient of the Role Models in Economics Award, instituted by the European Economic Association (EEA) to recognize colleagues who are both true scholars and outstanding contributors to the public good in the Economics profession: “Professor Salomons has become one of the driving scholars in the field of labour economics, in particular in the study of technology adoption and labour market outcomes.” The EEA further praises her mentoring skills, in guiding PhD students and young researchers on their career paths. Anna Salomons teaches at Utrecht University School of Economics since 2011 and is an alumnus of University College Utrecht.
The EEA also mentions Anna’s ability to share her knowledge and insights with both policymakers and a broader audience through interviews on national television, radio and in newspapers. The 2024 award is for an economist under 45 who excels both as a scholar and in making significant contributions to the academic environment and the public good in Europe in a broad sense. With the award funds (10,000 euros) the recipients will be asked to contribute to an initiative that fosters the careers of PhD students and junior faculty in Europe – one of the fundamental missions of the EEA. Professor David Schindler of Tilburg University also receives this year's award.
A healthy academic ecosystem
Anna is seen by colleagues who endorsed her nomination as a leading example of successful institution building, referencing her recent role as the Director of the Utrecht School of Economics Research Institute. “She deserves recognition for playing a crucial role in developing and strengthening the academic ecosystem, fostering accountability, transparency, and fairness, and shaping institutions that provide equal opportunities for (junior) colleagues”, they say in reaction to news of the award.
Her junior co-authors consistently note the enthusiastic and steadfast support she provides. Moreover, she is quick to give credit to others, cultivating an environment where each team member is recognized for their efforts.
Impact of technological change on labour
In her research Anna Salomons studies the labor market impacts of technological change and labor market regulation, focusing on consequences for earnings inequality and employment. She appears regularly in the media to shed light on the possible effects of new technology (such as AI) on the way we work and the future of our jobs and labour markets. Her academic perspective adds the necessary depth and nuance to a discussion which often tends to focus one-sidedly on either the benefits of new technology or on its disruptive impact (expectations of massive unemployment). Salomons shows that technological change is not a law of nature but a matter of (more or less) choice, by taking into account the historical development and adoption of technological innovations and the (regulatory) role of governments to shape desirable outcomes.
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