Corpus Christi College Oxford Welcomes Nobel Laureate Professor Simon Johnson for Andrew Glyn Memorial Lecture
Corpus Christi College recently welcomed back distinguished alumnus and Nobel Laureate Professor Simon Johnson to deliver the annual Andrew Glyn Memorial Lecture. The event brought together academics, students, and visitors to hear insights from a leading figure in modern economic research within one of the historic quadrangles of Oxford.
Exploring Technology and Global Inequality at Oxford
On 14 November, Professor Johnson—who is the Ronald A. Kurtz Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Sloan School of Management, MIT—presented a lecture entitled "Technology & Global Inequality in the Age of AI." The discussion examined the intersection of emerging digital tools and economic disparities worldwide. Following the address, a dedicated Q&A session was facilitated by Honorary Fellow Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times.
The speaker’s return carried special significance for the historic academic community. Professor Johnson was awarded the 2024 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, shared alongside James A Robinson and Daron Acemoğlu, for pivotal research into global inequality. Shortly after his appearance at the college, it was also announced that he has been appointed as a new AI Ambassador to the UK by the government, tasked with assisting public services and businesses in adopting transformative technologies to improve productivity.
A Legacy of Inspiring Scholarship in Oxford
During his return to the compact 16th-century college, Professor Johnson reflected on his undergraduate days studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Corpus Christi. He credited his former tutor, the late Andrew Glyn, as a foundational influence who taught him to view economics through a real-world and historical lens.
Beyond the main lecture, Professor Johnson met informally with current undergraduates alongside the current Andrew Glyn Fellow in Economics, Professor James Duffy. Students had the opportunity to discuss career trajectories, mentorship, and his journey from studying at Oxford to achieving international recognition. Prior to the main campus event, he also served as guest of honour at the President’s Circle Dinner held in the Strangers’ Dining Room at the House of Commons.
For visitors interested in exploring more academic landmarks, historic halls, and cultural landmarks around the area, you can plan your itinerary using Musemap (musemap.art). To discover further exhibitions and exhibits across the city, take a look at the current museums list or browse the interactive map view.
