Professor Abowd to lead Census Research & Methodology Directorate

John Abowd, Edmund Ezra Day Professor of Economics at Cornell University’s ILR School, will join the U.S. Census Bureau as associate director for research and methodology and chief scientist. During his three-year service, Abowd will lead both Census research centers devoted to domains of investigation important to the future of social and economic statistics and key capacities for innovation across all statistical programs.

Professor Abowd is the director of the Labor Dynamics Institute, and a Fellow of the Institute for Compensation Studies. Kevin F. Hallock, ILR’s Kenneth F. Kahn ’69 Dean, Joseph R. Rich ’80 Professor, and founding director of the Institute for Compensation Studies said of the appointment, “John Abowd is a remarkable economist and statistician with exceptional knowledge of and experience with the U.S. Census Bureau. Given his experience and intellect, he is a terrific choice to serve in this role.”

Abowd’s current research and many activities of the Labor Dynamics Institute focus on the creation, dissemination, privacy protection, and use of linked, longitudinal data on employees and employers. He has provided scientific leadership for the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics Program at the Census Bureau, which produces research and public-use data integrating censuses, demographic surveys, economic surveys, and administrative data.

For more information about Professor Abowd's appointment, please read the news story on the ILR Website.