The American Economic Association and the economics profession were saddened to learn of the passing of Robert E. Lucas Jr. at age 85. A Nobel laureate and professor at the University of Chicago who served in a variety of roles with the AEA, he was perhaps best known for his work on the foundations of macroeconomics. This work caused economists to reevaluate the impact of rational expectations on macroeconomic policy and business cycle modeling.

In addition to having a distinguished academic career, Lucas served as president of the AEA in 2002, vice president in 1987, and as a member of the AEA Executive Committee from 1980 to 1982.  He was named an AEA Distinguished Fellow in 2003. Learn more about Lucas and his contributions to the economics profession.