Thomas Piketty

Thomas Piketty is a Professor of Economics and Economic History at the Paris School of Economics and Director of Studies at the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS). He co-directs the World Inequality Lab and World Inequality Database (WID.world), and is a key figure in the Manifesto for the Democratization of Europe.

• Education: Baccalaureate (1987, Descartes High School, Tours); Higher Mathematics (Lycée Louis-Le-Grand, Paris, 1987-1989); Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS Ulm, 1989-1993); Doctorate at EHESS and London School of Economics (1991-1993).

His research focuses on the historical evolution of wealth and income inequality, optimal taxation, and the political economy of inequality. He emphasizes the role of political, social, and fiscal institutions in shaping inequality dynamics, challenging Kuznets' hypothesis. His work spans empirical data analysis (e.g., World Wealth and Income Database), theoretical models, and policy recommendations.

Key contributions include Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2013), Capital and Ideology (2019), and A Brief History of Equality (2021). He has advised on tax policy and redistribution, notably in Pour une révolution fiscale (2011).

• Scientific Awards:
  • Yrjö Jahnsson Prize (2013)
  • CNRS Bronze Medal (2001)
  • AFSE Thesis Prize (1993)

He has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s theses on inequality, taxation, and economic history, including works by Gabrielle Zucman, Lucas Chancel, and Clara Martinez-Toledano. At EHESS and Paris School of Economics, he teaches Public Economics, Optimal Taxation, and Economic History.

He is affiliated with research teams such as the World Inequality Lab, Paris-Jourdan Federation, and François-Simiand Center for Economic and Social History. His media engagement includes columns for Le Monde (2015-) and Libération (1998-2015).