LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - December 22, 2025
Lebanese professor Badi Hani Baltagi, recognized for his significant contributions to econometrics and economic data, has been awarded the 2025 Great Arab Minds Award in Economics.
The Great Arab Minds Award was launched in 2022 to recognize leading Arab scientists, thinkers, and innovators across multiple disciplines.
Professor Baltagi received the award in recognition of his work in panel data analysis, a methodology that improves the accuracy of economic research by combining data from multiple entities across time periods.
His research has greatly contributed to the fields of public policy, economic development, labor, and health economics.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Professor Baltagi in a post on X.
“We congratulate Professor Badi Hani from Lebanon on winning the Great Arab Minds 2025 Award in Economics,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.
“Our societies need professional economists. Effective policies depend on science, accurate data, and rigorous analysis,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Professor Baltagi is a distinguished professor of economics at Syracuse University and has more than 200 published academic papers.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in statistics from the American University of Beirut, a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University, and a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
His book "Econometric Analysis of Panel Data" is regarded as a leading reference in the field and is widely used by economics students and researchers worldwide.
In addition to his academic work, Professor Baltagi has delivered training for economists and analysts at major international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank, and multiple central banks.
His research focuses on economic theory, data analysis, and econometrics, with particular attention to the impact of public policy on wages, health outcomes, and economic growth.
The award highlights the growing global influence of Lebanese scholars and researchers, recognizing their role in advancing knowledge.
