Center for the Economics of Human Development

The Center for the Economics of Human Development, established in 2014 at the University of Chicago by Nobel Laureate James J. Heckman, aims to understand how people develop skills necessary for thriving in the modern economy and achieving their full potential. It conducts extensive research on how early childhood experiences shape various aspects of life, including employment, health, and overall well-being. This research is driven by collaborations with top global researchers and focuses on disseminating findings to aid policymakers and practitioners, particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. The Center's diverse initiatives, such as the Asian Family in Transition and the Heckman Equation, enhance knowledge and influence policy by focusing on early childhood and adolescent development, inequality, mobility, employment, health, and crime.

The Center operates from two historic buildings adjacent to the University of Chicago's Saieh Hall for Economics. These buildings, which once served as a nursery school and the Department of Home Economics and Household Administration, now host a vibrant community of graduate and undergraduate students, visiting scholars, and postdoctoral fellows. Their efforts, supported by dedicated researchers and funders, enable the Center to expand its impact on research and policy, continuing its legacy in the field of human development and economics.