The World Bank Group is strengthening its research and economic analysis capabilities. Its president, Ajay Banga, announced yesterday the appointment of Michael Kremer, 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics laureate, as Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics. Recognized as one of the world's leading development economics specialists, Michael Kremer will lead the institution's research, data, and analysis agenda. This strategic role comes at a time when the World Bank seeks to better connect research-based knowledge with public policies and high-impact investments. For Ajay Banga, this appointment occurs in a context marked by major challenges, notably the need to create sufficient jobs to meet the aspirations of over 1.2 billion young people who will reach working age over the next decade. Strong profile. Holding a doctorate in economics from Harvard University, Michael Kremer currently directs the Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago. His work covers economic growth, technological innovation, education, health, agriculture, water, and finance. In 2019, he received the Nobel Prize in Economics with Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo for their experimental approach to combating poverty. His research has also led to large-scale applications. His work notably contributed to vaccine access in 60 developing countries, approximately 2 billion deworming treatments administered to children since 2014, and digital agricultural and weather forecasting programs reaching over 50 million people in Africa and South Asia.