Ghazala Azmat Obituary-Death News; Ghazala Azmat, Professor of Economics at Sciences Po, Passes Away
Ghazala Azmat, Professor of Economics at Sciences Po, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 7, 2025, leaving a void in the academic community and among all who knew her.
Her loss is deeply felt across the field of applied microeconomics, where she was recognized as a leading figure, a dedicated researcher, and a compassionate colleague.
Ghazala’s career was marked by her relentless pursuit of understanding the complex mechanisms that shape labor markets, education, gender inequality, and organizational behavior, all grounded in empirical rigor and a profound commitment to social relevance.
Born and educated in the UK, Ghazala received her PhD in Economics from the London School of Economics, a testament to her early dedication to rigorous analysis and her keen interest in policy issues.
Her academic journey included positions at Queen Mary University of London and the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, where she established herself as a scholar of considerable influence. Later, she became a prominent faculty member at Sciences Po, where she contributed not only through her research but also as a leader and mentor.
Her affiliations extended beyond her home institution; she was a Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), CESifo, and IZA, and a Junior Member of the prestigious Institut Universitaire de France, reflecting her broad intellectual reach and recognition within the global economics community.
Ghazala’s institutional leadership was as notable as her research. She played an active role within professional organizations, including serving on the Executive Committee and the Council of the European Economic Association (EEA).
Her dedication was evident in her role as Chair of the EEA’s Standing Committee on Women in Economics, where she worked tirelessly to improve the representation and support for women and underrepresented groups in the discipline.
Her efforts aimed to foster a more inclusive environment, recognizing the importance of diversity for the future of economics and for the development of better policies.
Her research made significant contributions across several domains. A central theme was gender inequality in labor markets. Her 2017 article in the Journal of Political Economy, which utilized novel data on the career paths of lawyers, shed light on the determinants of gender gaps in earnings and performance.
The study revealed how career aspirations—shaped by professional concerns and gender norms—play a crucial role in perpetuating disparities. This work not only advanced academic understanding but also provided insights for policymakers seeking to address persistent inequalities in workplaces and institutions.
Throughout her career, Ghazala remained deeply committed to education and the factors influencing individuals’ decisions to pursue higher education. Her innovative use of field experiments and empirical models demonstrated how information, feedback, and high-stakes environments influence motivation and choices.
Her 2019 paper in Management Science illustrated the complex effects of relative performance feedback on student outcomes, emphasizing the nuanced ways in which incentives can motivate or hinder progress.
Her research also explored how students adapt their decisions based on new information about the returns to education, with implications for addressing access and inequality in higher education.
Ghazala’s influence extended beyond academia into public policy. Her work with the Centre for Economic Performance at LSE addressed critical issues such as gender gaps in employment, university funding reform, and socioeconomic disparities.
She was dedicated to translating her research into actionable solutions, demonstrating her belief in the power of economics to improve society. One of her most ambitious projects was the ERC-funded UNEQUALED (Unequal Education: The Role of Educational Constraints in Shaping Inequalities), launched in 2022.
This project aimed to investigate how structural and institutional constraints in education systems contribute to persistent inequalities. Although her untimely passing interrupted this vital work, her colleagues and coauthors remain committed to continuing her vision, inspired by her clarity of thought and collaborative spirit.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Ghazala was known for her kindness, integrity, and unwavering support for others. She was a champion for junior researchers, women, and minorities in the field, often offering mentorship and encouragement behind the scenes.
Her personal values of discretion, humility, and grace shone through in her interactions, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with her. Her generous spirit and quiet strength made her a treasured colleague, mentor, and friend.
Ghazala is survived by her husband and coauthor, Vicente Cuñat, and their two young children, Iliana and Adrien. Her family’s loss is profound, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. The memories of her love, warmth, and intellectual curiosity will continue to inspire those she touched.
Her passing represents a significant loss to the field of economics and to all who valued her insight and humanity. Ghazala Azmat’s legacy endures through her groundbreaking research, her dedication to social progress, and the inspiring example she set as a scholar and person. She made us better—more thoughtful, more compassionate, and more committed to making a difference.
