Event Description: Join us for a conversation with Professor Benjamin Friedman, the William Joseph Meyer professor at the University of Harvard and former chairman of Harvard’s Department of Economics. During this discussion, Professor Friedman will discuss his research in political economics and more specifically the effect religion has on economics over time. Additionally, Professor Friedman will share his insights on the current landscape of economics and how he believes students can meaningfully engage with the challenges and opportunities shaping the field today. The event will conclude with an open Q&A session, where members can gain deeper perspectives from Professor Friedman himself.

Speaker Bio: Professor Benjamin Friedman is the distinguished William Joseph Meyer professor and formerly Chairman of the Department of Economics at Harvard University where he has worked and taught for several decades. During that time, he has published over fifteen books and more than a hundred and seventy five journal articles. Much of this research has centered on economic policy—particularly how financial markets influence the ways monetary and fiscal decisions impact overall economic activity. Recently, his research has focused specifically on the effects of religion on economics, recently writing two books on the topic. Mr. Friedman is currently a director at the Private Export Funding Corporation and serves as a trustee for the Pioneer Funds. Over the years, he has also held directorships with the Encyclopaedia Britannica and the Council for Economic Education. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Among other distinctions, he has received the George S. Eccles Prize for excellence in writing about economics and the John R. Commons Award, given every two years in recognition of contributions to economics.