Economist Sergio Firpo, Insper’s Unibanco Institute’s chair professor, was elected fellow of the International Association for Applied Econometrics (IAAE), one of the world’s most respected applied econometrics institutions. He said he didn’t know his name was subject to the election. “I was caught by surprise,” says Firpo. IAAE acts to spread econometrics topics and their application in various fields of economy. One of his most valued publications is the Journal of Applied Econometrics, a worldwide range bimonthly newspaper.

IAAE seeks to recognize econometrists for their research excellence. It currently counts more than 200 fellows around the world. Fellows are chosen by the previously selected ones. A candidate will only be elected if receiving a minimum of 30 votes from active fellows.

According to the IAAE’s website, to have an indication considered, the candidate must have at least five publications in econometrics’ main magazines or in the leading general economics and statistics magazines. The published articles in general economics or statistics magazines are expected to contain significant econometrics work.

This year, the Entity chose 23 new fellows. Firpo is the second Brazilian on the list (the other Brazilian fellow is João Victor Issler, a professor from Getulio Vargas Foundation’s Economy and Finances School professor).

Firpo was already a fellow of the Econometrics Society and a research fellow from the Institute for the Study of Labor, the Global Labor Organization, and the Center for Evaluation and Development. This year, the economist was named for the position of Secretary of Monitoring and Assessment for Public Policies Enhancement, an institution connected to the Brazilian Ministry of Planning and Budget.

Ph.D. in Economics by Berkley, California University, United States, Firpo researches on topics related to education and high school in Brazil. He also acts with research on microeconometrics, policies assessment, labor economy, development economy, and empirical political economy.