Nobel Laureate Claudia Goldin to Deliver Pong S. Lee Memorial Lecture
ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 30, 2026) — Nobel Prize-winning economist Claudia Goldin, whose groundbreaking research has transformed understanding of women’s roles in the economy and workforce, will deliver the University at Albany’s fourth annual Pong S. Lee Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Goldin, the Henry Lee Professor of Economics at Harvard University, will present “The Rise of Female Autonomy and the Decline of Fertility” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.
The lecture is free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required by Oct. 7.
Goldin received the 2023 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for advancing understanding of women’s labor market outcomes.
An economic historian and labor economist, her research has explored the female labor force participation, gender differences in earnings, education, technological change and the ways changes in work and family life have shaped the economy.
“Claudia Goldin is one of the most influential economists of her generation, and having the opportunity to hear directly from a scholar of her stature is incredibly special for our students, faculty and the broader community,” said Professor of Economics Pinka Chatterji. “Her work helps us understand how changes in education, careers and family life have reshaped society over time. This lecture brings those questions into a conversation that is both timely and relevant far beyond the field of economics.”
The Pong S. Lee Memorial Lecture honors the late Professor Pong S. Lee, who taught economics at UAlbany for more than 30 years. Established in 2021 through gifts from Seung Park ’73, ’74, a former PhD student of Lee’s, the series brings distinguished economists to UAlbany each year.
Previous speakers include MIT Professor David Autor, Princeton University Professor Janet Currie and Nobel laureate David Card.