Becker Friedman Institute for Economics
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The Becker Friedman Institute at the University of Chicago supports inquiry on significant economic and policy questions. Repost/Follow ≠ endorsement.
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Stay informed with BFI's Weekly Briefing🗞️—your source for the latest research insights, upcoming events, and more from the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics.
👉Subscribe now: bfi.uchicago.edu/subscribe
👉Subscribe now: bfi.uchicago.edu/subscribe
Miss out on this week's BFI Weekly Briefing? Catch up on the latest research, events, opportunities, and more here: https://ow.ly/gkuV50Y1Obn
January 23, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Miss out on this week's BFI Weekly Briefing? Catch up on the latest research, events, opportunities, and more here: https://ow.ly/gkuV50Y1Obn
We’re excited to spotlight our current Saieh Family Fellows in Economics at Becker Friedman Institute. The program supports early-career scholars as they pursue independent research and collaborate across campus. Meet our current fellows here: https://ow.ly/TvLF50Y1mC7
January 22, 2026 at 6:42 PM
We’re excited to spotlight our current Saieh Family Fellows in Economics at Becker Friedman Institute. The program supports early-career scholars as they pursue independent research and collaborate across campus. Meet our current fellows here: https://ow.ly/TvLF50Y1mC7
What does the U.S. military’s capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro mean for Venezuela & the region? 🎧 UChicago experts Chris Blattman, Ryan Kellogg, and Paul Poast join Rebecca Wolfe to break it down — decline, migration, and what comes next.
👉 https://ow.ly/Yvfa50Y0mcG
👉 https://ow.ly/Yvfa50Y0mcG
January 20, 2026 at 9:05 PM
What does the U.S. military’s capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro mean for Venezuela & the region? 🎧 UChicago experts Chris Blattman, Ryan Kellogg, and Paul Poast join Rebecca Wolfe to break it down — decline, migration, and what comes next.
👉 https://ow.ly/Yvfa50Y0mcG
👉 https://ow.ly/Yvfa50Y0mcG
Closed visas can trap temporary foreign workers in worse jobs. New research shows that gaining permanent residency increases job switching by 21.7 percentage points and raises earnings by 5.7%—with lasting effects.
January 20, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Closed visas can trap temporary foreign workers in worse jobs. New research shows that gaining permanent residency increases job switching by 21.7 percentage points and raises earnings by 5.7%—with lasting effects.
Reposted by Becker Friedman Institute for Economics
Very excited to see this conference back alive!
I really enjoyed the interactions between econometricians & applied micro people
I really enjoyed the interactions between econometricians & applied micro people
📢 Call for Papers: 2026 Interactions Conference
Bringing together econometrics & applied micro to improve modern empirical practice.
📍 May 15–16, 2026 | David Rubenstein Forum
🗓 Submissions due Feb. 15, 2026 https://ow.ly/8o3h50XY6p1
Bringing together econometrics & applied micro to improve modern empirical practice.
📍 May 15–16, 2026 | David Rubenstein Forum
🗓 Submissions due Feb. 15, 2026 https://ow.ly/8o3h50XY6p1
Call for Papers: 2026 Interactions Conference: Bringing Together Econometrics and Applied Microeconomics | Becker Friedman Institute
We welcome all submissions for the 2026 Interactions Conference. This conference will bring together empirical researchers and methodologists to improve modern econometric practice. This conference will be hosted by the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics on May 15-16, 2026, at the David Rubenstein Forum. All interested researchers are invited to send submissions for consideration by Read more...
ow.ly
January 16, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Very excited to see this conference back alive!
I really enjoyed the interactions between econometricians & applied micro people
I really enjoyed the interactions between econometricians & applied micro people
📢 Call for Papers: 2026 Interactions Conference
Bringing together econometrics & applied micro to improve modern empirical practice.
📍 May 15–16, 2026 | David Rubenstein Forum
🗓 Submissions due Feb. 15, 2026 https://ow.ly/8o3h50XY6p1
Bringing together econometrics & applied micro to improve modern empirical practice.
📍 May 15–16, 2026 | David Rubenstein Forum
🗓 Submissions due Feb. 15, 2026 https://ow.ly/8o3h50XY6p1
Call for Papers: 2026 Interactions Conference: Bringing Together Econometrics and Applied Microeconomics | Becker Friedman Institute
We welcome all submissions for the 2026 Interactions Conference. This conference will bring together empirical researchers and methodologists to improve modern econometric practice. This conference will be hosted by the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics on May 15-16, 2026, at the David Rubenstein Forum. All interested researchers are invited to send submissions for consideration by Read more...
ow.ly
January 16, 2026 at 6:02 PM
📢 Call for Papers: 2026 Interactions Conference
Bringing together econometrics & applied micro to improve modern empirical practice.
📍 May 15–16, 2026 | David Rubenstein Forum
🗓 Submissions due Feb. 15, 2026 https://ow.ly/8o3h50XY6p1
Bringing together econometrics & applied micro to improve modern empirical practice.
📍 May 15–16, 2026 | David Rubenstein Forum
🗓 Submissions due Feb. 15, 2026 https://ow.ly/8o3h50XY6p1
BFI is an intellectual destination for leading scholars in economics and related fields. By bringing researchers together across disciplines, we create space for new ideas, shared perspectives, and meaningful collaboration. Meet our scholars: https://bfi.uchicago.edu/scholars/
Scholars | Becker Friedman Institute
bfi.uchicago.edu
January 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM
BFI is an intellectual destination for leading scholars in economics and related fields. By bringing researchers together across disciplines, we create space for new ideas, shared perspectives, and meaningful collaboration. Meet our scholars: https://bfi.uchicago.edu/scholars/
Stay informed with BFI’s Weekly Briefing📰—your go-to for the latest in economic research, expert insights, and upcoming events. Smart reads, straight to your inbox. Subscribe here 🔗 https://ow.ly/NvYh50QGICu
January 14, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Stay informed with BFI’s Weekly Briefing📰—your go-to for the latest in economic research, expert insights, and upcoming events. Smart reads, straight to your inbox. Subscribe here 🔗 https://ow.ly/NvYh50QGICu
Why do banks exist—and why are they so vulnerable to failure?
In this Extra Slice of The Pie, Nobel laureate Douglas W. Diamond explains how short-term debt drives financial crises, from the S&L collapse to 2008—and why bank runs remain a central risk. 🎙️ https://ow.ly/L8aO50XWnVv
In this Extra Slice of The Pie, Nobel laureate Douglas W. Diamond explains how short-term debt drives financial crises, from the S&L collapse to 2008—and why bank runs remain a central risk. 🎙️ https://ow.ly/L8aO50XWnVv
January 13, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Why do banks exist—and why are they so vulnerable to failure?
In this Extra Slice of The Pie, Nobel laureate Douglas W. Diamond explains how short-term debt drives financial crises, from the S&L collapse to 2008—and why bank runs remain a central risk. 🎙️ https://ow.ly/L8aO50XWnVv
In this Extra Slice of The Pie, Nobel laureate Douglas W. Diamond explains how short-term debt drives financial crises, from the S&L collapse to 2008—and why bank runs remain a central risk. 🎙️ https://ow.ly/L8aO50XWnVv
BFI research briefs distill rigorous economic research into timely insights on markets, policy, and society—designed for decision-makers and the public alike.
Read more at the Becker Friedman Institute.
https://bfi.uchicago.edu/insights/research-summaries/
Read more at the Becker Friedman Institute.
https://bfi.uchicago.edu/insights/research-summaries/
Research Brief Library | Becker Friedman Institute
bfi.uchicago.edu
January 13, 2026 at 5:07 PM
BFI research briefs distill rigorous economic research into timely insights on markets, policy, and society—designed for decision-makers and the public alike.
Read more at the Becker Friedman Institute.
https://bfi.uchicago.edu/insights/research-summaries/
Read more at the Becker Friedman Institute.
https://bfi.uchicago.edu/insights/research-summaries/
📣 Call for Papers: AI in the Workplace Conference
Researchers, AI scientists, and industry experts are invited to share work on how AI is reshaping labor markets.
🗓️ Submit by Feb. 15, 2026
🏆 Awards announced March 15
🔗 https://ow.ly/W6no50XSbTj
Researchers, AI scientists, and industry experts are invited to share work on how AI is reshaping labor markets.
🗓️ Submit by Feb. 15, 2026
🏆 Awards announced March 15
🔗 https://ow.ly/W6no50XSbTj
January 12, 2026 at 10:20 PM
📣 Call for Papers: AI in the Workplace Conference
Researchers, AI scientists, and industry experts are invited to share work on how AI is reshaping labor markets.
🗓️ Submit by Feb. 15, 2026
🏆 Awards announced March 15
🔗 https://ow.ly/W6no50XSbTj
Researchers, AI scientists, and industry experts are invited to share work on how AI is reshaping labor markets.
🗓️ Submit by Feb. 15, 2026
🏆 Awards announced March 15
🔗 https://ow.ly/W6no50XSbTj
BFI’s Pre-Doctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP) had an exceptional placement season—sending 33 research professionals to top PhD programs, including UChicago, Princeton, Stanford, Berkeley, MIT, Harvard, and more.
Read more:
https://ow.ly/hKfV50XVPCf
Read more:
https://ow.ly/hKfV50XVPCf
BFI Summer Research Program: A Partnership Investing in Tomorrow's Scholars | Becker Friedman Institute
This past summer, the Becker Friedman Institute employed 35 undergraduate and two graduate research assistants in a program built on a strategic partnership between BFI and the University of Chicago’s Office of Career Advancement (OCA). “The BFI Summer Research Assistantship Program gives UChicago students an incredible opportunity to work with top economics scholars,” said Dan Read more...
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January 12, 2026 at 9:13 PM
BFI’s Pre-Doctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP) had an exceptional placement season—sending 33 research professionals to top PhD programs, including UChicago, Princeton, Stanford, Berkeley, MIT, Harvard, and more.
Read more:
https://ow.ly/hKfV50XVPCf
Read more:
https://ow.ly/hKfV50XVPCf
New working papers from UChicago economists explore markets, inequality, policy, and more—cutting-edge research, available year-round. Check out our library:
https://ow.ly/qBQ250XVNtT
https://ow.ly/qBQ250XVNtT
BFI Working Papers | Becker Friedman Institute
bfi.uchicago.edu
January 12, 2026 at 8:25 PM
New working papers from UChicago economists explore markets, inequality, policy, and more—cutting-edge research, available year-round. Check out our library:
https://ow.ly/qBQ250XVNtT
https://ow.ly/qBQ250XVNtT
Direct lenders are growing fast—but traditional banks still dominate much of the U.S. middle market. New research finds direct lending remains concentrated in PE-heavy industries and regions.
By Young Soo Jang, Dasol Kim & Amir Sufi
https://ow.ly/1PlM50XVN6V
By Young Soo Jang, Dasol Kim & Amir Sufi
https://ow.ly/1PlM50XVN6V
Direct Lenders Make Inroads into Middle Market Banking, but the Market Still Belongs to Traditional Providers | Becker Friedman Institute
Prior to the Great Recession of 2007-08, a US firm (annual revenues between $10 million and $1 billion) had little choice but to approach a bank or financial company for services ranging from capital fundraising to mergers and acquisition guidance, and other banking services. Alternative financial companies, known as , were small players, accounting for Read more...
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January 12, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Direct lenders are growing fast—but traditional banks still dominate much of the U.S. middle market. New research finds direct lending remains concentrated in PE-heavy industries and regions.
By Young Soo Jang, Dasol Kim & Amir Sufi
https://ow.ly/1PlM50XVN6V
By Young Soo Jang, Dasol Kim & Amir Sufi
https://ow.ly/1PlM50XVN6V
A year of ideas, impact, and insight. 📈
BFI’s 2025 Year in Review Newsletter is out—featuring research highlights, events, and moments that shaped the year. Take a look back with us. https://ow.ly/Mumo50XU4bP
BFI’s 2025 Year in Review Newsletter is out—featuring research highlights, events, and moments that shaped the year. Take a look back with us. https://ow.ly/Mumo50XU4bP
January 9, 2026 at 5:10 PM
A year of ideas, impact, and insight. 📈
BFI’s 2025 Year in Review Newsletter is out—featuring research highlights, events, and moments that shaped the year. Take a look back with us. https://ow.ly/Mumo50XU4bP
BFI’s 2025 Year in Review Newsletter is out—featuring research highlights, events, and moments that shaped the year. Take a look back with us. https://ow.ly/Mumo50XU4bP
How did Operation Absolute Resolve reshape U.S.–Venezuela dynamics and what’s next for energy markets and foreign policy? 🇻🇪🇺🇸 Join UChicago experts Blattman, Kellogg & Poast with moderator Rebecca Wolfe for a wide-ranging panel discussion. https://ow.ly/PUoJ50XU3Sm
January 9, 2026 at 3:48 PM
How did Operation Absolute Resolve reshape U.S.–Venezuela dynamics and what’s next for energy markets and foreign policy? 🇻🇪🇺🇸 Join UChicago experts Blattman, Kellogg & Poast with moderator Rebecca Wolfe for a wide-ranging panel discussion. https://ow.ly/PUoJ50XU3Sm
📢 Weiss Fellowship for Junior Researchers: Job market PhD candidates planning to work in low- and middle-income countries can apply for up to 3 years of supplemental funding.
🗓️ Applications review starting Jan 15, 2026 — early applications prioritized. Apply here: https://ow.ly/6yHi50XTbEF
🗓️ Applications review starting Jan 15, 2026 — early applications prioritized. Apply here: https://ow.ly/6yHi50XTbEF
January 7, 2026 at 9:39 PM
📢 Weiss Fellowship for Junior Researchers: Job market PhD candidates planning to work in low- and middle-income countries can apply for up to 3 years of supplemental funding.
🗓️ Applications review starting Jan 15, 2026 — early applications prioritized. Apply here: https://ow.ly/6yHi50XTbEF
🗓️ Applications review starting Jan 15, 2026 — early applications prioritized. Apply here: https://ow.ly/6yHi50XTbEF
How do consumers respond to competition when goods are time-intensive—not just costly in dollars, but in time?
A new working paper applies Becker’s time allocation theory to study demand and competition for platforms like Facebook and Instagram. bfi.uchicago.edu/working-pape...
A new working paper applies Becker’s time allocation theory to study demand and competition for platforms like Facebook and Instagram. bfi.uchicago.edu/working-pape...
Consumer Demand and Market Competition with Time-Intensive Goods | Becker Friedman Institute
We leverage Becker’s time allocation theory to examine consumer demand and market competition for time-intensive goods. The Beckerian model predicts higher diversion ratios for goods with substantial ...
bfi.uchicago.edu
January 6, 2026 at 9:34 PM
How do consumers respond to competition when goods are time-intensive—not just costly in dollars, but in time?
A new working paper applies Becker’s time allocation theory to study demand and competition for platforms like Facebook and Instagram. bfi.uchicago.edu/working-pape...
A new working paper applies Becker’s time allocation theory to study demand and competition for platforms like Facebook and Instagram. bfi.uchicago.edu/working-pape...
When does family income matter most for your future?
On the newest episode of The Pie, Steven Durlauf explains why parental income during the tween and teen years (ages 12–18) is more predictive of adult outcomes than early childhood.
🎧 Listen/watch: https://ow.ly/fmU650XSypw
On the newest episode of The Pie, Steven Durlauf explains why parental income during the tween and teen years (ages 12–18) is more predictive of adult outcomes than early childhood.
🎧 Listen/watch: https://ow.ly/fmU650XSypw
January 6, 2026 at 9:23 PM
When does family income matter most for your future?
On the newest episode of The Pie, Steven Durlauf explains why parental income during the tween and teen years (ages 12–18) is more predictive of adult outcomes than early childhood.
🎧 Listen/watch: https://ow.ly/fmU650XSypw
On the newest episode of The Pie, Steven Durlauf explains why parental income during the tween and teen years (ages 12–18) is more predictive of adult outcomes than early childhood.
🎧 Listen/watch: https://ow.ly/fmU650XSypw
📣 Call for Papers: AI in the Workplace Conference
Researchers, AI scientists, and industry experts are invited to share work on how AI is reshaping labor markets.
🗓️ Submit by Feb. 15, 2026
🏆 Awards announced March 15
🔗 https://ow.ly/W6no50XSbTj
Researchers, AI scientists, and industry experts are invited to share work on how AI is reshaping labor markets.
🗓️ Submit by Feb. 15, 2026
🏆 Awards announced March 15
🔗 https://ow.ly/W6no50XSbTj
January 5, 2026 at 9:20 PM
📣 Call for Papers: AI in the Workplace Conference
Researchers, AI scientists, and industry experts are invited to share work on how AI is reshaping labor markets.
🗓️ Submit by Feb. 15, 2026
🏆 Awards announced March 15
🔗 https://ow.ly/W6no50XSbTj
Researchers, AI scientists, and industry experts are invited to share work on how AI is reshaping labor markets.
🗓️ Submit by Feb. 15, 2026
🏆 Awards announced March 15
🔗 https://ow.ly/W6no50XSbTj
📣 Call for Papers: Advances in Industrial Organization Conference
Researchers in IO, Business Economics & Marketing are invited to apply. Early-career scholars encouraged.
🎤 Keynote: Liran Einav
🗓️ Submit by Jan. 30, 2026
🔗https://ow.ly/Nl6r50XSbJy
Researchers in IO, Business Economics & Marketing are invited to apply. Early-career scholars encouraged.
🎤 Keynote: Liran Einav
🗓️ Submit by Jan. 30, 2026
🔗https://ow.ly/Nl6r50XSbJy
January 5, 2026 at 9:18 PM
📣 Call for Papers: Advances in Industrial Organization Conference
Researchers in IO, Business Economics & Marketing are invited to apply. Early-career scholars encouraged.
🎤 Keynote: Liran Einav
🗓️ Submit by Jan. 30, 2026
🔗https://ow.ly/Nl6r50XSbJy
Researchers in IO, Business Economics & Marketing are invited to apply. Early-career scholars encouraged.
🎤 Keynote: Liran Einav
🗓️ Submit by Jan. 30, 2026
🔗https://ow.ly/Nl6r50XSbJy
📢 Stay curious, stay connected! Follow BFI on all our social channels for the latest research, events, and big ideas shaping the future of economics & policy. 🚀 https://ow.ly/GcGw50X5Opz
bfisocials | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Linktree. Make your link do more.
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December 20, 2025 at 4:05 PM
📢 Stay curious, stay connected! Follow BFI on all our social channels for the latest research, events, and big ideas shaping the future of economics & policy. 🚀 https://ow.ly/GcGw50X5Opz
📣 Call for Papers: Submit your research to the 2026 Conference on Discrimination in the 21st Century, April 28–29 in Chicago.
🎤 Keynote: William A. Darity Jr.
🗓 Deadline: Jan 16, 2026
🔗More information here: https://ow.ly/icYA50XK1lT
🎤 Keynote: William A. Darity Jr.
🗓 Deadline: Jan 16, 2026
🔗More information here: https://ow.ly/icYA50XK1lT
Call for Papers - 2026 Conference on Discrimination in the 21st Century: Fostering Conversations Across Fields | Becker Friedman Institute
We welcome all submissions for the 2026 Conference on Discrimination in the 21st Century: Fostering Conversations Across Fields. This year’s conference will be held April 28–29, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. This conference will bring together researchers from different fields to discuss crucial themes around discrimination. Experts from economics, sociology, law, behavioral sciences, healthcare, artificial intelligence, Read more...
ow.ly
December 16, 2025 at 6:10 PM
📣 Call for Papers: Submit your research to the 2026 Conference on Discrimination in the 21st Century, April 28–29 in Chicago.
🎤 Keynote: William A. Darity Jr.
🗓 Deadline: Jan 16, 2026
🔗More information here: https://ow.ly/icYA50XK1lT
🎤 Keynote: William A. Darity Jr.
🗓 Deadline: Jan 16, 2026
🔗More information here: https://ow.ly/icYA50XK1lT
📣 Call for Papers: The Becker Friedman Institute Health Economics Initiative invites submissions for its April 30–May 1, 2026 conference on all topics in health economics.
📅 Deadline: Feb 9, 2026
Organized by Josh Gottlieb & Matt Notowidigdo
🔗 https://ow.ly/uPvk50XKoms
📅 Deadline: Feb 9, 2026
Organized by Josh Gottlieb & Matt Notowidigdo
🔗 https://ow.ly/uPvk50XKoms
Call for Papers: 2026 Health Economics Initiative Conference | Becker Friedman Institute
On April 30–May 1, 2026, the Becker Friedman Institute Health Economics Initiative’s conference will bring together faculty, research professionals, and students to present the latest research on all topics in health economics. Joining the 2026 Health Economics Initiative Conference as the keynote speaker will be Ambitabh Chandra, Ethel Zimmerman Wiener Professor of Public Policy and Director of Health Read more...
ow.ly
December 16, 2025 at 6:02 PM
📣 Call for Papers: The Becker Friedman Institute Health Economics Initiative invites submissions for its April 30–May 1, 2026 conference on all topics in health economics.
📅 Deadline: Feb 9, 2026
Organized by Josh Gottlieb & Matt Notowidigdo
🔗 https://ow.ly/uPvk50XKoms
📅 Deadline: Feb 9, 2026
Organized by Josh Gottlieb & Matt Notowidigdo
🔗 https://ow.ly/uPvk50XKoms
📣 Call for Papers: The 8th Annual Women in Macroeconomics Conference will be held May 14–15, 2026 at the UChicago Gleacher Center.
Submit your macroeconomics research for consideration. 🗓 Deadline: Dec 19, 2025
🔗 https://ow.ly/wEkq50XJKHj
Submit your macroeconomics research for consideration. 🗓 Deadline: Dec 19, 2025
🔗 https://ow.ly/wEkq50XJKHj
Call for Papers: 2026 Women in Macroeconomics Conference | Becker Friedman Institute
Program Chairs: Wendy Morrison, Duke University Marta Prato, Bocconi University The Becker Friedman Institute at the University of Chicago invites you to share your academic paper to be reviewed for the 8th annual Women in Macroeconomics Conference. This year’s conference will be held May 14-15, 2026, at University of Chicago’s Gleacher Center. The 8th annual Women in Read more...
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December 15, 2025 at 4:37 PM
📣 Call for Papers: The 8th Annual Women in Macroeconomics Conference will be held May 14–15, 2026 at the UChicago Gleacher Center.
Submit your macroeconomics research for consideration. 🗓 Deadline: Dec 19, 2025
🔗 https://ow.ly/wEkq50XJKHj
Submit your macroeconomics research for consideration. 🗓 Deadline: Dec 19, 2025
🔗 https://ow.ly/wEkq50XJKHj