The biennial prize honors an outstanding Latin American or Caribbean economist under the age of 45
Citlalli Chávez-Nava
UCLA’s Dubchansky Chair in Economics Pablo Fajgelbaum, a trade and urban economist, was named recipient of the inaugural Amartya Sen Economics Prize by the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Association (LACEA) and the Amartya Sen Economics Prize Foundation on Oct. 6.
The biennial prize recognizes an economist under the age of 45 for an influential body of work and significant contributions to the understanding of economic issues relevant to Latin America and the Caribbean. The prize is named for Amartya Sen, the Indian economist and philosopher who received the 1998 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions to welfare economics.
A native of Argentina, Fajgelbaum, was selected from more than 100 nominations from around the world, for his landmark contributions to international trade and spatial economics — the study of how geography shapes economic activity and opportunity.
“His research has advanced our understanding of how global integration, trade policy and transportation infrastructure shape economic opportunities across people and regions, combining methodological innovation with a strong focus on practical policy questions,” said LACEA in a statement.
Fajgelbaum’s current research is exploring the impacts of large transportation investments and the incentives that guide policymakers in designing them. As many countries adopt protectionist economic policies, he is also analyzing the costs and benefits from these experiences in both the U.S. and in smaller economies, including Argentina.
“I feel honored and grateful to my family and friends, advisors and colleagues who have shaped my development as an economist, and of course to my coauthors, who have been essential in our papers,” said Fajgelbaum upon learning about the prize. “Research is a collective effort, so any recognition for a set of papers is truly a recognition to that collective effort.”
As the inaugural recipient of the prize, Fajgelbaum will receive a $25,000 cash prize. He will also participate in the 2026 LACEA Annual Meeting in Lima and will deliver the 2027 Amartya Sen Lecture in Mexico City.