Heitor S. Pellegrina

Heitor S. Pellegrina serves as Assistant Professor of Economics within the Social Science Division at New York University Abu Dhabi. His research program bridges trade theory and development economics with concentrated focus on agricultural trade systems, global food security challenges, and spatial economic distributions.

Academic background includes:

• PhD in Economics from Brown University

Pellegrina's scholarly work investigates how international trade frameworks and public R&D investment drive agricultural productivity transformations in emerging economies. His research on Brazil's agricultural revolution demonstrates institutional pathways where targeted research funding overcomes geographic constraints to enhance food security metrics. This work sits at the critical nexus of development theory and practical policy implementation for agrarian economies.

Recent publications include the October 2025 VoxEU column Public R&D and Brazil's agricultural revolution, co-authored with Akerman, Moscona, and Sastry, which analyzes how Brazil's strategic research investment catalyzed its rise as a global agricultural leader. His STEG working paper Trade, Technology, and Agricultural Productivity further explores technology adoption mechanisms within trade-open farming sectors.

Current advising and grant activities are not specified in available documentation, though his research focus suggests engagement with international development institutions and agricultural policy bodies.