Lakshmi Iyer

Trained as an economist, Lakshmi Iyer’s research explores the intersection of history, politics, and economics, with a strong focus on Asia. Her recent projects have explored whether post-colonial policies can change the long-run effects of historical institutions, when decentralization can improve education and health outcomes, and whether providing formal land rights can improve women’s economic participation. Her new lines of research examine the interplay between governance, global health, and natural resource management.

At Notre Dame, Lakshmi is the academic director of the Building Inclusive Growth (BIG) Lab, which develops innovative, long-lasting solutions to help vulnerable populations in developing countries. Iyer’s work aligns with Notre Dame’s Poverty Initiative, a University-wide effort to create a world intolerant of poverty by expanding knowledge about how to solve it.

“Growing up in India during a period of economic liberalization, I saw how government policies can shape the economic and human development trajectory of a country," she said. "I was inspired to investigate why and how countries can make progress against poverty, and to identify historical, political or social barriers to such progress. More than 800 million people still live in extreme poverty around the world. Poverty is not just an economic issue; it is a moral, political and social issue. I am privileged to be working with scholars across several disciplines at Notre Dame and beyond, to investigate how a diverse range of factors contribute to poverty, including history, political institutions, and the inclusion of women.”