David Autor, the Daniel (1972) and Gail Rubinfeld Professor in MIT’s Department of Economics, has been named head of the department, effective July 1, 2026. A faculty member since 1999, Autor is a leading researcher in artificial intelligence and the future of work.
“David is a world-class labor economist,” said Agustín Rayo, the Kenan Sahin Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. “He is also an individual of wisdom and insight. I look forward to welcoming him to the school’s leadership team.”
Autor’s scholarship explores the labor-market impacts of technological change and globalization on job polarization, skill demands, earnings inequality, and electoral outcomes. He co-directs the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center on Inequality and Shaping the Future of Work.
“I’ve been at MIT since 1999, and I owe my career to the Institute, the department, and colleagues who are as kind as they are accomplished,” Autor said. “Stepping into this role is a chance to contribute to a place that has shaped me at every stage.”
Autor succeeds Jon Gruber, the Ford Professor of Economics, who served as department head since July 2023. In his new role, Autor aims to “build on the stellar standard set by its faculty and students while navigating budget tightening and a shifting political landscape.” He added: “Just as important, I want to lead the department toward the opportunities that advancing AI is opening in how we teach and what we research.”
A co-director of the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) Labor Studies Program, Autor holds a BA in psychology from Tufts University and a PhD in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School. His honors include the NSF CAREER Award, an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, the Sherwin Rosen Prize, an Andrew Carnegie Fellowship, the Society for Progress Medal, and the Heinz 25th Special Recognition Award. In 2023 he was named a NOMIS Distinguished Scientist, and in 2024 an AI2050 Senior Fellow by Schmidt Sciences.
