John A. List, ranked among the world’s most influential economists, will deliver Youngstown State University’s Fall 2025 Paul J. Thomas Lecture in Economics at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the Williamson College of Business Administration auditorium.

His lecture, “Using Field Experiments to Change the World?” will explore how real-world experiments can reshape public policy and business practices, from reducing carbon emissions and advancing education reform to addressing the gender pay gap.

List is the Kenneth C. Griffin Distinguished Service Professor of Economics and director of the Becker Friedman Institute for Research in Economics at the University of Chicago. He is widely recognized as a pioneer of field experiments in economics, with Nobel laureates and peers describing his work as revolutionary.

He is the author of several acclaimed books, including “The Why Axis” (with Uri Gneezy) and “The Voltage Effect,” a Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today bestseller. His research has influenced decision-making in government, philanthropy and major corporations such as Uber, Lyft, Virgin Atlantic and Walmart.

According to RePEc, List is ranked the fifth most influential economist in the world. He has also served on the Council of Economic Advisers and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Econometric Society.

The lecture is hosted by Tomi Ovaska, professor of economics and the Paul J. Thomas Endowed Chair in Economics at YSU. The endowed chair was established in honor of Paul J. Thomas of Niles, Ohio, a Yale graduate and World War II Navy veteran who went on to a distinguished career in business and accounting.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited to 250 guests.