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Access to Opportunity in the Sciences: Evidence from the Nobel Laureates

Author

Listed:
  • Novosad, Paul
  • Asher, Sam
  • Farquharson, Catriona
  • Iljazi, Eni

Abstract

Unequal opportunity in the sciences reduces scientific contributions from the most talented individuals and limits the rate of human progress. We study unequal opportunity by collecting data on the childhood SES of Nobel laureates in the sciences. The average laureate grew up in an 87–90th percentile household. Access to opportunity doubled from 1901–2023, but remains highly unequal. Barriers are higher for women, but lower for Americans. Access to opportunity across countries is much less equal, and has barely improved at all. Cities with more intergenerational mobility produce more laureates from non-elite families, and more laureates overall.

Suggested Citation

  • Novosad, Paul & Asher, Sam & Farquharson, Catriona & Iljazi, Eni, 2024. "Access to Opportunity in the Sciences: Evidence from the Nobel Laureates," CEPR Discussion Papers 19551, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:19551
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    File URL: https://cepr.org/publications/DP19551
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion

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