The Tata Centre for Development Announces 14 New Research Projects, New Affiliation with Becker Friedman Institute

The projects, led by nearly two dozen UChicago faculty and researchers across six schools and divisions, will add to TCD’s robust research agenda.

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

With tremendous excitement, I am writing to share that the Tata Centre for Development at UChicago (TCD) has selected 14 new research projects to launch in 2018. The projects represent a total of $1.6 million in funding directed to outstanding research projects and will be led by nearly two dozen UChicago faculty and graduate students from six different schools and divisions.
 
It is also my pleasure to announce that TCD has joined the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) as an affiliated center, strengthening TCD’s partnership with the Chicago Economics community. As the faculty director for both TCD and BFI, I look forward to expanding the depth and scope of work by UChicago scholars to leverage evidence-driven research to help address economic and social challenges in India. TCD is supported by Tata Trusts and we look forward to an ongoing partnership around this important work.

Learn More about Tata Trusts 

TATA CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT

New Grants and Expanded Research Agenda

TCD’s affiliation with BFI will strengthen the University’s long-standing commitment to India, which also includes the University of Chicago Center in Delhi, the Energy Policy Institute’s India office (EPIC-India), and the South Asian Languages and Civilizations Department. TCD utilizes cutting edge research from across the Chicago economics community, coupled with resources to translate and disseminate rigorous ideas, to improves lives throughout India.
 
TCD has selected 14 new research projects to launch in 2018. The projects were selected as part of a months-long process that began with an open call to Chicago faculty and researchers in October, and culminated with selection by a majority-independent review committee and the Tata Trusts. The projects represent a total of $1.6 million in funding and will involve a multi-disciplinary mix of UChicago faculty and graduate students from six different schools and divisions.

View the 2018-2019 Research Grants
 
The new grants will expand TCD’s research portfolio to include a wide range of issue areas: water pollution and measurement, climate change, education, air pollution, fiscal policy, human capital, land policy and more. In the tradition of Chicago economics, much of this research extends beyond the conventional boundaries of the economics profession and into areas where economics can lend new insights. Across all of this work, TCD will work with researchers to connect new ideas to policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to ensure that research and pilot projects have real-world impact.

The TCD has been partnering with UChicago faculty and centers since its founding in 2016. More information on existing research projects can be found here. 
 

From Our Grantees

From left: Nicole Anderson and Michael Greenstone

TATA CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT

Staff & Leadership

TCD’s professional staff is located in Chicago and Delhi. We are delighted that Nicole Anderson has joined the Chicago team as U.S. Director of Programs. In this position, she will facilitate TCD research and activities within the University of Chicago community. Nicole brings energy and experience to the position, having previously served as interim TCD Country Director and as Associate Director of Talent and Program Operations at the International Innovation Corps at the University of Chicago, where she led the development of the strategy for recruiting top young professionals from around the world.

Ammon Johnson will remain with TCD’s Chicago team as Finance Manager. Aalia Khan leads financial operations in India, and Priyam Pandey leads our efforts related to training and education. Anant Sudarshancurrently serves as TCD’s Interim Country Director. I am happy to share that a search is underway for a permanent Country Director based in Delhi.

We will keep you updated on new developments as we undertake this exciting work.

Regards,

Michael Greenstone
Director, Tata Centre for Development and Becker Friedman Institute for Economics; Milton Friedman Professor in Economics, the College, and the Harris School