Turkish American economist Daron Acemoglu has been named Institute Professor, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) highest faculty honor. Professor Acemoglu is now one of the 12 Institute Professors, along with 11 Institute Professors Emeriti. Professor Acemoglu has been promoted to the rank of Institute Professor in recognition of his “significant impacts in diverse fields of economics.” The honor is an “exceptional distinction by a combination of leadership, accomplishment, and service in the scholarly, educational, and general intellectual life of the Institute and wider community.”

Turkish journalist Fatih Altayli denies reports that Daron Acemoglu –  a Turkish born economist of Armenian descent –  has been offered a post in Turkey’s new government. According to him, no one from the Turkish government has contacted the world famous economist despite rumors that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been considering to propose him to take the reins of Turkey’s economy in his new cabinet. “Daron Acemoglu does not even know about such a thing,” the Haberturk columnist writes.

Leading MIT Professor Daron Acemoğlu has received the “2017 Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science” for his “distinguished contributions to the economic realm globally,” according to Koç University, which presented him with the award on Nov. 22. Acemoğlu’s name has repeatedly been mentioned as a candidate for the Nobel Prize in economics. Recently, he has gained popularity through his book “Why Nations Fail,” co-authored by political scientist James Robinson.

By Noah Smith - A little more than a week ago, Stanford University mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani died at 40 after a battle with breast cancer. In that short lifetime, she accomplished more than most of us ever will. Mirzakhani was one of the world's greatest mathematicians — a recipient of the Fields Medal, mathematics' highest honor. Her career was a triumph for the U.S. university system and American scientific prowess. But Mirzakhani was born and raised in Iran. She is living proof of the advantage immigration gives the United States.

Turkish American businesswoman Eren Ozmen and Academician Prof Daron Acemoglu honored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The Corporation, established by Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie, thanks naturalized citizens who make America strong. Carnegie Corporation of New York, its board of trustees and staff, invite Americans to celebrate naturalized U.S. citizens with its annual Great Immigrants tribute. The philanthropic foundation today announced the 38 individuals who will be honored on the Fourth of July when the Corporation salutes the invaluable role that immigrants play in helping to advance our society, culture, and economy. Each year since 2006, the Corporation has recognized the contributions of naturalized citizens, and for 2017, the honorees represent more than 30 different countries of origin, a wide range of personal immigration stories, and a high level of professional leadership in numerous fields.