Antoine Missemer, who holds a PhD in Economics from HEC Lausanne and is currently working at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Paris (CIRED laboratory), has been awarded the 2017 Marcel Boiteux Prize for Energy Economics for his book Les Économistes et la fin des énergies fossiles (1865-1931). The prize is awarded by the French Association of Energy Economics (FAEE), affiliated to the IAEE, which brings together thousands of experts from all over the world.
Dr. Missemer was awarded the prize for his book Les Économistes et la fin des énergies fossiles (1865-1931), a reworked version of his thesis written at HEC Lausanne in 2014, which was supervised jointly by Prof. Pascal Bridel (Honorary Professor at the Walras-Pareto Centre) and Prof. Nicolas Chaigneau (Lumière University, Lyon 2). Some thoughts on the award, which marks the culmination of some intense years of scientific research:
Les Économistes et la fin des énergies fossiles (1865-1931) was chosen from a list of seven books selected by a panel chaired by Olivier Massol and made up of Thomas Huerre, Carine Staropoli, Yannick Perez and Fabienne Salaun. The panel described it as “an insightful historical analysis of the emergence of the theme of the exhaustibility of these resources [fossil fuels] in debates on economic policy. By demonstrating how the question of peak coal, which occupied minds in the 19th century, created ways of thinking that guide economists even now, the analysis [...] helps us to understand more clearly the relationship contemporary economists have with energy-related and environmental topics.”
Winning the 2017 Marcel Boiteux Prize for the best book on energy economics is particularly significant, because it illustrates what a historical approach can bring to the contemporary discipline of economics. When you opt for a historical methodology as an economist, it’s not always clear where you situate yourself in the field compared with other, more common methodologies (theoretical research, modelling, econometrics, experimental economics, etc.) and it often takes a long time for the research to produce results. But the investment is worthwhile, as evidenced by this prize, which suggests that the history of economic analysis is entirely relevant to economics as a discipline.
My four years at UNIL, as a graduate assistant at the Walras-Pareto Centre (Faculty of Law from 2010 to 2013 and Faculty of Social and Political Sciences from 2014) and as a PhD student at HEC Lausanne, were an extraordinary time for me, in both academic and personal terms. The working conditions, the support from the administrative staff and the facilities on campus create an ideal environment for carrying out high-level research. The international dimension of the teams and the constant striving for intellectual excellence always encouraged me to aim higher and ask even more of myself. The University of Lausanne is one of the world’s most renowned centers of excellence for the history of economic and political thinking. My experiences at the Walras-Pareto Centre and HEC Lausanne were decisive stages in my career, which ultimately led me to join the CNRS in 2015. I am always delighted to visit my former colleagues in Lausanne and continue with the collaborative research we began during the years of my thesis.
Focus on the FAEE
The FAEE is part of a community of energy economists that brings together over 4,700 experts in 200 countries under the banner of the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE). It contributes to energy transition by offering constructive advice and independent academic criticism. It also aims to develop economic expertise as it applies to the energy sector, in all its financial, commercial and technical aspects. The FAEE believes that civil society needs a better understanding of the reasoning behind energy policies and relies primarily on the evaluation methods for international energy policy implemented by the IAEE, based on the principle of composite selection panels and evidence-based positions. With this in mind, the AEE awards a number of annual prizes, including the Marcel Boiteux Prize for the best book on energy economics.
The Faculty congratulates Dr. Antoine Missemer on winning this prestigious prize!