Category Archives: Education

Odisha Signs Four International MoUs in Singapore to Boost Clean Energy Research and Innovation

Bhubaneswar, Oct 29 (UDN): Odisha has stepped up its efforts to strengthen the clean energy sector through international collaboration, with the State Energy Department signing four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global technology companies and research partners in Singapore.

 Pic Credit: x.com/EnergyOdisha

The agreements were signed during the Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES), organised as part of Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2026, held from October 27 to 29.

The partnerships aim to promote research, innovation and technological development in key areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, battery energy storage systems, smart grids, microgrids and green hydrogen.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, will serve as the knowledge partner for the collaborations, providing research support and technical expertise to advance Odisha’s clean energy ambitions.

Four Agreements Target Emerging Energy Technologies

The four MoUs cover different aspects of clean energy research and technological advancement.

Under the agreement with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Singapore, the focus will be on joint research into digitalisation and AI-powered workbench solutions. These technologies are expected to support smart governance and improve consumer services in the energy sector.

The partnership with Singapore-based VFlowTech will focus on advanced flow battery technologies, with the objective of strengthening energy storage capabilities and improving grid resilience.

Similarly, the MoU with PHENOGY, Singapore, will facilitate research and development of sodium-ion battery-based Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid applications.

The fourth agreement, signed with Finland-based DANFOSS Drives Oy, will focus on next-generation microgrids, smart grid integration and green hydrogen production.

Deputy CM Highlights Importance of Global Collaboration

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo welcomed the Energy Department’s initiative, describing international partnerships as an important step towards building a sustainable and technologically advanced energy ecosystem in Odisha.

He said the State is committed to developing a future-ready energy sector through innovation, research and cooperation with leading global institutions and companies.

According to the Deputy Chief Minister, the agreements will create opportunities to explore advanced technologies in energy storage, artificial intelligence, smart grids and green hydrogen.

He further emphasised that such collaborations could strengthen Odisha’s renewable energy ambitions, improve energy security and position the State as an emerging destination for clean energy investment and innovation.

Odisha Focuses on Future-Ready Energy Infrastructure

The latest agreements reflect Odisha’s growing emphasis on research-driven development and the adoption of emerging clean energy technologies.

With renewable energy integration becoming increasingly important, technologies such as advanced batteries, smart grids and microgrids are expected to play a significant role in ensuring reliable and efficient electricity supply.

The collaboration with international technology companies and NTU is expected to provide a platform for knowledge exchange, research partnerships and the exploration of innovative energy solutions.

Through these initiatives, Odisha aims to strengthen its clean energy ecosystem while supporting the broader transition towards a sustainable, resilient and low-carbon energy future.

OPSC Mains Exam: Aspirants Seek 15-Day Postponement Amid Flood Disruptions Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: With flood-related disruptions continuing in several parts of Odisha following the recent cyclone, candidates appearing for the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) Mains examination have urged the authorities to defer the examination by at least 15 days.

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The examination is scheduled to commence on October 31, but aspirants from several districts, particularly southern Odisha, have raised concerns over transportation difficulties, disrupted connectivity and waterlogging in their respective areas.

Candidates have appealed to both the state government and the OPSC to reconsider the examination schedule, arguing that the prevailing situation could prevent many aspirants from reaching their designated examination centres on time.

Cyclone Disruptions Add to Candidates’ Concerns

The OPSC Mains examination was originally scheduled to begin on October 29. However, in view of the approaching cyclone, the commission rescheduled the examination to October 31.

Although the cyclonic system has moved away, its aftermath continues to affect normal life in several parts of the state. Waterlogging, damaged roads and flood-like conditions have created fresh challenges for candidates preparing to travel to examination centres.

Aspirants from southern Odisha have expressed particular concern, saying that transportation services remain disrupted in some areas. Train services have reportedly been affected on certain routes, while irregular bus operations have added to the difficulties faced by candidates.

Aspirants Seek Fair Opportunity

Apart from travel-related challenges, several candidates have pointed out that the adverse weather conditions and flooding have also affected their examination preparations.

Disruptions at home, difficulties in accessing study materials and uncertainty over transportation have added to the stress of candidates who have been preparing for the competitive examination.

Aspirants believe that conducting the examination under the prevailing circumstances could put candidates from cyclone- and flood-affected regions at a disadvantage compared to those from relatively unaffected areas.

They have, therefore, requested the commission to grant an additional 15 days before conducting the Mains examination so that all candidates get a fair and equal opportunity to appear.

Decision Awaited From OPSC

With the examination date approaching, candidates are awaiting an official response from the commission regarding their demand.

The aspirants have maintained that their appeal is not for an indefinite postponement but for a reasonable extension to allow transportation services and normal connectivity to improve across affected districts.

Whether the OPSC will reconsider the October 31 schedule remains to be seen. For now, uncertainty continues among candidates, particularly those travelling from flood-affected parts of Odisha.

NIT Rourkela, IIT Researchers Develop Lead-Free Smart Materials for Anti-Counterfeiting and Sensors

Rourkela, Oct 28: Researchers from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, in collaboration with scientists from IIT Guwahati, IIT Bombay and the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, have developed innovative lead-free materials that respond to changes in temperature and moisture, opening up potential applications in anti-counterfeiting technology, humidity sensors and advanced lighting systems.

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The research focuses on bismuth-based organic-inorganic hybrid compounds that change their light-emitting properties in response to environmental conditions. The findings, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry C, could offer a safer alternative to conventional lead-based photoluminescent materials, which raise environmental and health concerns because of lead toxicity.

Smart Materials That Change Colour Under UV Light

According to the research team, the material undergoes a reversible transformation when exposed to heat and moisture. When heated, it loses water trapped within its structure and emits blue light under ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Upon exposure to moisture, it absorbs water again, causing the blue-light emission to disappear.

This ability to switch its optical response according to environmental conditions could make the material useful in applications requiring sensitive and reversible detection.

Prof. Saroj L. Samal, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at NIT Rourkela, said the compound was synthesised using relatively inexpensive, environmentally friendly constituents through a simple synthesis process. He highlighted its reversible structural changes and corresponding variations in light emission as key features of the material.

Potential Breakthrough in Anti-Counterfeiting

The researchers believe the material could be used to develop security inks for certificates, signatures, product labels and other items vulnerable to counterfeiting.

Its response to controlled heating and UV light could provide an additional layer of authentication, helping distinguish genuine documents and products from fraudulent copies.

The material may also have applications in humidity sensors for food packaging, storage facilities and other environments where moisture monitoring is important. However, further research will be needed to establish its performance and reliability in practical applications.

New Possibilities for Energy-Efficient Lighting

In a related development, the team has also produced lead-free materials that emit yellow light under UV radiation. By combining this material with a commercially available blue-light-emitting material, the researchers generated white light with a cool, daylight-like appearance.

The resulting system demonstrated stable light emission during continuous operation, suggesting potential applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and light-conversion technologies.

The research involved scientists from NIT Rourkela, IIT Guwahati, IIT Bombay and NISER Bhubaneswar. The paper was co-authored by Prof. Samal and research scholar Subhasish Sahoo, along with Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer and Chakali Srinivas of IIT Guwahati, Rajanikanta Rana of IIT Bombay, and Prof. Himansu S. Biswal and Laxmipriya Dash of NISER Bhubaneswar.

Next Step: Practical Applications

The researchers plan to improve the materials’ light-emission efficiency, long-term stability and sensor sensitivity while exploring their integration into functional devices.

The findings could contribute to future advances in optical security, environmental monitoring and lighting technology. While commercial applications will require further development and testing, the research highlights the potential of lead-free smart materials to address both technological needs and environmental concerns.

Odisha Plans International Research Centre for Olive Ridley Turtles at Berhampur University

Berhampur, Oct 21: Odisha is set to strengthen its marine conservation efforts with plans to establish an international research centre dedicated to Olive Ridley sea turtles at Berhampur University in Ganjam district. The proposed facility aims to deepen scientific understanding of the endangered marine species, with a focus on migration routes, breeding behaviour, mass nesting and habitat protection.

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The initiative brings together the Forest Department, Berhampur University’s Department of Environmental Science and the Zoological Survey of India’s Gopalpur centre. Researchers and institutions from Odisha and beyond are expected to contribute to studies aimed at addressing critical questions about the turtles’ life cycle and annual movements.

Rushikulya Coast to Remain a Key Research Focus

The Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district is one of the world’s important nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles, attracting large numbers of the species during the breeding season. The turtles travel long distances across the ocean before arriving at Odisha’s sandy shores to lay their eggs.

Following incubation, which generally lasts around 45 to 60 days, hatchlings emerge from the nests and make their way towards the sea. However, several aspects of their migration, breeding cycles and ability to return to specific nesting beaches continue to require further scientific investigation.

The proposed research centre is expected to provide a dedicated platform for examining these patterns and improving understanding of the environmental factors that influence turtle nesting and survival.

Advanced Technology to Support Conservation

Satellite tagging and other scientific techniques have already helped researchers track the movements of Olive Ridley turtles across marine environments. The new facility could expand such investigations by encouraging collaborative studies on migration corridors, nesting frequency, breeding behaviour and the condition of coastal habitats.

The findings could help conservation authorities develop more effective strategies to protect nesting beaches, reduce threats to hatchlings and adult turtles, and safeguard the marine ecosystems on which the species depends.

Research Institutions to Collaborate

Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer Sunny Khokhar said Berhampur University, Khallikote University, the Zoological Survey of India and other research institutions would be involved in the initiative.

He added that researchers interested in studying Olive Ridley turtles would be able to submit research proposals to the centre, opening opportunities for wider academic participation and scientific collaboration.

Professor Anjan Prusty of Berhampur University’s Department of Environmental Science said research conducted over the past three decades would provide an important foundation for future investigations.

According to Prusty, researchers intend to explore several unanswered questions, including whether the turtles follow mass or periodic nesting patterns, how their arrival patterns vary and what role habitat quality plays in their reproductive behaviour.

Strengthening Odisha’s Conservation Efforts

The proposed centre is expected to create opportunities for researchers from India and other countries to exchange scientific knowledge and develop a more comprehensive understanding of Olive Ridley turtles.

For Odisha, where large-scale turtle nesting is an important feature of the coastal ecosystem, the initiative could help bridge gaps between scientific research and practical conservation measures.

The centre’s operational timeline has not yet been announced. However, its proposed focus on long-term research and institutional collaboration signals a push towards strengthening the scientific basis of marine wildlife protection in the state.

As conservationists continue to work to safeguard Olive Ridley turtles and their nesting grounds, the planned facility could emerge as an important hub for research, knowledge-sharing and evidence-based protection of the species.

Over 300 Researchers Gather at NIT Rourkela to Advance Sustainable Innovation

Rourkela, October 16: More than 300 academicians, scientists and research scholars from institutions across India gathered at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela for a two-day conclave aimed at strengthening research partnerships and turning scientific discoveries into practical solutions for sustainable development.

The ANRF–NIT Rourkela Research X Impact Conclave 2026, inaugurated on October 15 under the theme “Synergy for Sustainability,” brought together representatives from academia, industry and research organisations to explore collaborative approaches to pressing social, environmental and economic challenges.

Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), attended the inaugural session as chief guest. NIT Rourkela Director Prof K Umamaheshwar Rao, Organising Chair Prof Himanshu Bhushan Sahu and Organising Co-chair Prof Swadesh Kumar Paratihar were among the key participants.

Research Must Deliver Real-World Impact

Addressing the gathering, Kalyanaraman emphasised that scientific research should extend beyond academic publications and laboratory experiments to create tangible benefits for society.

He encouraged researchers to set ambitious scientific goals, work across disciplines and institutions, and collaborate with industry to transform research outcomes into useful technologies, enterprises and practical solutions.

Welcoming participants, Prof Sahu described the conclave as a platform for researchers, industry professionals, faculty members and young scholars to exchange ideas, present innovations and develop long-term partnerships.

He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing challenges related to agriculture, healthcare, energy, environmental protection and climate resilience.

NIT Rourkela Highlights Opportunities Beyond Established Research Centres

Prof Rao underlined the role that NIT Rourkela and its partner institutions could play in strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Referring to the hub-and-spoke approach under the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) framework, he said institutions outside established centres of excellence also possessed significant research talent and potential.

He called for greater opportunities and institutional support to enable National Institutes of Technology and other academic institutions to undertake ambitious research projects and demonstrate measurable outcomes.

30 ANRF Grantees Present Their Work

A major feature of the conclave was the presentation of research projects by 30 ANRF grantees representing different institutions and agencies. The researchers outlined the potential societal applications of their work and received feedback from Kalyanaraman during an interactive session.

The discussions focused on strengthening the connection between scientific research and its practical implementation, with industry representatives expressing interest in supporting research and development initiatives as well as pilot-scale studies.

Industry participants included Madhulika Shukla, CEO of IFFCO eBazar Ltd; Jagannath P Nayak, President and Unit Head of Aditya Aluminium, Hindalco; Dipak Khule, Head of Research and Development at JSW Energy Ltd; and Pradeep Behera, Founder and Managing Director of Thetabeta Algorithms Pvt Ltd.

Their participation highlighted the potential for closer industry–academia engagement in developing technologies that can be tested and applied in real-world settings.

AI Workshop Explores Making Research More Accessible

The conclave also examined how artificial intelligence could help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and the wider public.

Prof P Kumaraguru, Visiting Scientist at ANRF, conducted a workshop on democratising research across multiple languages using SARAL AI. The session explored the potential of AI tools to make scientific findings easier to access and understand among diverse audiences.

Researchers and scholars also presented posters under four thematic areas: Sustainable Agriculture, Healthcare and Medical Technologies, Energy Technologies, and Environmental Sustainability. Awards were presented for the best posters in each category.

Building Partnerships for Sustainable Development

The event’s activities were coordinated by theme leads and co-leads, including Prof Shantanu Behera, Prof Pankaj Sa, Prof Devendra Verma, Prof Harekrushna Sahoo, Prof Sk Md Equeenuddin, Prof Pravat Ray, Prof Binod Bihari Sahu and Prof Partha Saha.

By bringing researchers and industry representatives onto a common platform, the conclave sought to strengthen research networks, encourage collaborative projects and accelerate the practical application of scientific knowledge.

The discussions underscored a central message: addressing complex sustainability challenges will require not only scientific advances but also stronger partnerships capable of translating research into solutions that benefit communities and support long-term development.

Odisha Gets INR 240.50-Crore Boost to Modernise Kataka ITI Cluster Under PM-SETU

Kataka, Oct 16: Odisha’s vocational training infrastructure is set for a major upgrade, with the National Steering Committee approving an investment of ₹240.50 crore to modernise the Kataka Industrial Training Institute (ITI) cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) programme.

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The investment aims to strengthen training facilities, introduce courses aligned with emerging technologies and deepen industry partnerships, helping young people acquire skills suited to evolving employment needs.

The approval was granted during the sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee, held on Friday under the chairpersonship of Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Five ITIs to Benefit From the Project

The Kataka cluster will operate through a hub-and-spoke model, with Government ITI Kataka serving as the hub and four other institutes functioning as spokes.

The participating institutes are:

Government ITI Kataka

Madhusudan Government ITI, Choudwar

Government ITI, Paradeep

Government ITI, Jajpur

Government ITI, Dhenkanal

The cluster-based approach is intended to improve coordination among the institutes, strengthen infrastructure and expand access to modern vocational training across the region.

Focus on Modern Skills and Industry Partnerships

Under PM-SETU, the approved project will focus on upgrading institutional infrastructure, introducing industry-aligned training programmes and improving the capabilities of trainers.

Stronger engagement with industry partners is also expected to help align classroom learning and practical training with the skills employers increasingly require.

The initiative aims to improve students’ employability by equipping them with relevant technical competencies and preparing them for changing workplace demands.

The National Steering Committee has also encouraged participating clusters to work towards ISO certification and include at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area in their approved implementation plans.

PM-SETU Investment Crosses ₹3,600 Crore

Alongside the Kataka cluster, the committee approved additional Strategic Investment Plans across Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the announcement, cumulative investment approvals under PM-SETU have reached ₹3,687 crore. The programme seeks to transform Industrial Training Institutes into modern, industry-oriented institutions capable of delivering high-quality vocational education.

The approved plans will be implemented through partnerships involving state governments, industry partners and participating ITIs.

Thousands of Trainers Already Trained

As of October 2026, a total of 3,744 trainers had received training under the programme through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), according to the information released.

The emphasis on trainer development reflects the programme’s broader objective of improving the quality of vocational education alongside infrastructure modernisation.

With the ₹240.50-crore approval, the Kataka ITI cluster is expected to play a greater role in preparing Odisha’s youth for emerging skill requirements. The impact will ultimately depend on effective implementation, the quality of training delivered and the extent to which the upgraded courses translate into better employment opportunities.

Urban Youth Unemployment Rises to 19% in September; Rate Among Young Women Hits 26.6%

New Delhi, Oct 16: Unemployment among urban youth aged 15–29 years in India increased to 19 per cent in September 2026, up from 18.7 per cent in August, with young women continuing to face a significantly higher unemployment rate than their male counterparts, according to the latest government data.

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The September Monthly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Thursday, highlighted persistent challenges in urban youth employment despite improvements in some labour market indicators.

Young Women Face Higher Unemployment

The unemployment rate among urban women aged 15–29 years rose from 26.4 per cent in August to 26.6 per cent in September. Among young urban men, the rate increased from 16.2 per cent to 16.4 per cent during the same period.

The figures underline the continuing disparity in employment opportunities between young women and men in urban India.

Urban youth unemployment has also maintained an upward trend since May 2026, when it stood at 17.5 per cent.

At the national level, the unemployment rate among youth edged up from 15.1 per cent in August to 15.2 per cent in September. In contrast, rural youth unemployment declined slightly from 13.3 per cent to 13.2 per cent.

Labour Force Participation Shows Improvement

Despite the rise in urban youth unemployment, some indicators of employment and workforce participation showed improvement during September.

The urban Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for people aged 15 years and above increased from 47 per cent in August to 47.2 per cent in September, marking its highest level since October 2025.

Urban female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) also recorded a notable increase, rising by 0.5 percentage points from 25.4 per cent to 25.9 per cent. According to the ministry, this was the highest level recorded since October 2025.

However, the rise in participation was accompanied by an increase in unemployment among urban women aged 15 years and above, with the rate climbing from 8.9 per cent to 9.2 per cent.

Overall Unemployment Remains Stable

India’s overall unemployment rate among people aged 15 years and above remained unchanged at 5 per cent in September, the same as in August. However, it was lower than the 5.2 per cent recorded in September 2025.

Urban unemployment edged up from 6.8 per cent to 6.9 per cent, while the rural unemployment rate increased from 4.1 per cent to 4.2 per cent.

The figures indicate that, although the overall unemployment rate remained stable compared with the previous month, employment pressures persisted across both urban and rural areas.

Survey Covers More Than 3.7 Lakh People

The September PLFS estimates are based on a survey covering 3,70,513 people across rural and urban India.

The latest data presents a mixed picture of the country’s labour market. While workforce participation and the proportion of employed people in urban areas improved, rising unemployment among young people, particularly women, remains a significant concern.

The figures highlight the importance of expanding employment opportunities and improving access to jobs for India’s growing young workforce, especially in urban areas where competition for suitable employment remains intense.

NIT Rourkela Develops Patented Jackfruit Peel-Based Material to Remove Fluoride from Groundwater

Rourkela, Oct 14 (UDN): Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed a patented water-purification material made from discarded jackfruit peels that removed more than 90 per cent of fluoride from contaminated groundwater during laboratory tests.

The innovation offers a potential sustainable approach to tackling fluoride contamination by turning agricultural waste into a useful resource for water treatment.

The research team converted discarded jackfruit peels into activated carbon and modified the material with zirconium to improve its ability to capture fluoride from water. According to the institute, the material achieved over 90 per cent fluoride removal in approximately 10 minutes under tested laboratory conditions.

The research was carried out by Prof. Susmita Mishra of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Dr. Pratima Minz, a research graduate at the institute. The team has secured a patent for the technology.

Excessive fluoride in drinking water can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis, making effective and affordable treatment particularly important in regions where groundwater contains elevated fluoride levels.

Existing treatment methods, including reverse osmosis and ion exchange, can have limitations such as water wastage, mineral removal and the generation of waste that requires proper management. The newly developed material could offer an alternative, although its practical performance and cost-effectiveness are yet to be established outside laboratory conditions.

Laboratory experiments recorded fluoride-removal efficiencies ranging from more than 90 per cent to 97 per cent within 10–20 minutes, at tested fluoride concentrations of around 1–5 milligrams per litre. Researchers estimated the material’s synthesis cost at approximately Rs 37 per gram, based on electricity and chemicals used in the process.

The technology has reached Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL 4), meaning it has been validated at the laboratory level. The next stage involves developing a physical prototype and assessing its durability, long-term performance, operating costs and effectiveness under real-world conditions.

If further testing proves successful, the technology could eventually support decentralised water-treatment systems, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities with limited access to reliable purification infrastructure.

By converting an agricultural by-product into a potential water-treatment solution, the NIT Rourkela research could open a new avenue for sustainable groundwater purification. However, field trials and further validation will be essential before the material can be considered ready for wider public use.

Odisha Approves INR 284.07 Crore Scheme for Free Textbooks for 28.7 Lakh Class 9 and 10 Students

Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 (UDN): The Odisha government has approved a five-year scheme worth ₹284.07 crore to provide free textbooks to approximately 28.7 lakh students in Classes 9 and 10 studying in government and government-aided secondary schools.

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The scheme, approved by the state Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, will run from the 2025–26 academic year to 2029–30.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg announced the decision during a post-Cabinet briefing, stating that the initiative would extend free textbook benefits to students who are not already covered under existing provisions for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, who currently receive textbooks free of cost.

Scheme Aims to Reduce Financial Burden and Dropouts

The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families, particularly those from economically weaker sections, by eliminating the cost of textbooks for eligible students.

The government expects the scheme to encourage school enrolment, reduce dropout rates and facilitate the transition from elementary to secondary education by removing financial barriers.

According to Garg, the scheme has an estimated outlay of ₹284.07 crore over five years and is expected to cover around 28.7 lakh beneficiaries.

Textbooks to Be Distributed Before Academic Sessions

The School and Mass Education Department will oversee the implementation of the scheme and ensure that textbooks reach schools before the beginning of each academic session.

The distribution process will include paper procurement, printing, transportation and delivery to schools. These activities will be undertaken through a transparent and competitive process in accordance with the Odisha General Financial Rules and applicable procurement guidelines.

The department will also conduct field-level verification of student details to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the textbooks.

With the initiative, the state government aims to improve access to secondary education, support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and strengthen school retention across Odisha.

2026 Nobel Prize in Economics Awarded to Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford for Macroeconomic Research

Stockholm, Oct. 12: American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford have been awarded the 2026 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for their contributions to the development of macroeconomic models that help policymakers understand economic fluctuations and respond to periods of growth and recession.

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The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the award on Monday, recognising the economists’ work in strengthening the theoretical foundations of fiscal and monetary policy. Their research has helped explain how government decisions and central bank policies can influence economic activity through the expectations and decisions of households and businesses.

Research Strengthened Economic Policy Frameworks

According to the Nobel Committee, Hall, a professor at Stanford University, and Woodford, a professor at Columbia University, advanced macroeconomic analysis by grounding economic models in the decision-making behaviour of individuals and firms.

Their work gained significance amid criticism of conventional Keynesian models following the oil shocks of the 1970s. Several advanced economies at the time faced high inflation, sluggish growth and rising unemployment, presenting major challenges for policymakers.

The economists’ research emphasised that consumers and businesses make decisions based not only on current conditions but also on their expectations about the future. Choices involving consumption, savings, investment and pricing can collectively shape the broader economy.

By incorporating these forward-looking expectations into macroeconomic models, their work helped improve the understanding of how policy announcements and interventions affect economic behaviour.

Implications for Central Banks and Governments

The academy noted that the theoretical insights developed by the laureates have contributed to the models used by central banks and governments to assess economic conditions and formulate policy responses.

Such frameworks can help policymakers evaluate the effects of economic shocks, including energy crises and sudden changes in household spending, while designing measures to support stability.

John Hassler, chair of the Committee for the Prize in Economic Sciences, said the laureates’ work had provided a sound theoretical basis for models now used by central banks and governments worldwide.

About the Laureates

Robert E. Hall was born in 1943 in Palo Alto, California. He earned his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1967 and is a professor at Stanford University.

Michael Woodford was born in 1955 in Chicopee, Massachusetts. He received his PhD from MIT in 1983 and is a professor at Columbia University in New York.

The 2026 economics prize carries an award of 12 million Swedish kronor, to be shared equally between the two recipients.

The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences was established in memory of Alfred Nobel and is administered by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.