Economics Professor Recognized Among Top 2% Scientists Worldwide
Mehmet Balcilar, Ph.D., is one of several University of New Haven faculty members included in the Stanford University/Elsevier Top 2% Scientist Rankings, earning a prestigious spot for both his lifetime achievements and single-year impact.
October 22, 2024
Mehmet Balcilar, Ph.D., a professor of economics at the University of New Haven, . The prestigious ranking, compiled by Stanford University, highlights Dr. BalcilarӰԭs contributions to economics and finance.
ӰԭItӰԭs an honor to have my research recognized on a global scale,Ӱԭ says Dr. Balcilar. ӰԭIt shows that the work IӰԭve done has been valuable and has contributed to the field.Ӱԭ
Dr. BalcilarӰԭs name has been included on this list since its inception in 2019, with rankings that reflect both his single-year accomplishments and his lifetime career achievements.
For Dr. Balcilar, this recognition reflects the ongoing impact of his research endeavors.
ӰԭIӰԭve been cited by many other scientists in my field,Ӱԭ he explains. ӰԭThis is important because it validates that my research has made a significant contribution. It tells me the work IӰԭm doing matters.Ӱԭ
ӰԭItӰԭs about contributing research that stands the test of timeӰԭ
Dr. Balcilar attributes his success to the longevity and relevance of his research. For him, itӰԭs not just about publishing papers but producing knowledge that continues to be cited and referenced long after itӰԭs published.
ӰԭThe key factor is not just how many papers you publish but how long they stay relevant,Ӱԭ he says. ӰԭSome of my work has been cited more than 800 times. ItӰԭs about contributing research that stands the test of time.Ӱԭ
This focus on enduring contributions has guided Dr. Balcilar throughout his career. His research has consistently explored topics that challenge established ideas, offering fresh insights into financial markets and macroeconomic policies.
ӰԭItӰԭs the long-term impact that counts,Ӱԭ he explains. ӰԭYou want to produce work that remains useful and relevant for decades.Ӱԭ
ӰԭMy work looks at reducing uncertaintyӰԭ
Dr. BalcilarӰԭs research revolves around how uncertainty affects decision-making, particularly in financial markets, investment strategies, and economic policies.
ӰԭUncertainty is the most important factor in decision-making for businesses, governments, and society,Ӱԭ he says. ӰԭMy work looks at reducing uncertainty, whether for investors or policymakers.Ӱԭ
From studying market volatility to forecasting in the housing market, Dr. BalcilarӰԭs research has helped inform decision-makers on how to navigate complex economic environments.
ӰԭWhen you reduce uncertainty, you help people make better choices,Ӱԭ he says. ӰԭThatӰԭs what my research aims to doӰԭgive decision-makers the tools they need to act confidently in uncertain situations.Ӱԭ
ӰԭIӰԭm able to share my knowledge with students, which is very rewardingӰԭ
Dr. Balcilar has found a supportive environment at the University of New Haven, where he has been a faculty member for two years. He credits the University with providing the resources and time he needs to continue his research.
ӰԭIӰԭve been very happy with the support IӰԭve received here,Ӱԭ he says. ӰԭThe Pompea College of Business has great resources for faculty, including access to the data I need for my research. They also support faculty by prioritizing time for research.Ӱԭ
In addition to his research, Dr. Balcilar teaches courses in business analytics and machine learning, integrating his research into the classroom.
ӰԭIӰԭm able to share my knowledge with students, which is very rewarding,Ӱԭ he adds. ӰԭThe University allows me to balance both teaching and research, and thatӰԭs been crucial for my continued success.Ӱԭ
ӰԭI want to use my background to help address the risks that climate change presentsӰԭ
Looking to the future, Dr. Balcilar is turning his attention to a new area of research: climate change. Building on his expertise, he is now focusing on climate risk and its potential impact.
ӰԭItӰԭs about quantifying the risks that climate change poses to markets and society,Ӱԭ he says. ӰԭIӰԭm applying the same uncertainty modeling that IӰԭve used in the financial markets to this new challenge.Ӱԭ
For Dr. Balcilar, this shift represents both a continuation and an expansion of his work. His research on uncertainty, risk, and decision-making will now be applied to one of the most pressing issues of our time.
ӰԭItӰԭs an exciting development for me,Ӱԭ he says. ӰԭI want to use my background to help address the risks that climate change presents.Ӱԭ
ӰԭYou have to take risks if you want to produce valuable outputӰԭ
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Balcilar emphasizes the importance of perseverance and adaptability. He notes that not all research projects turn out the way you expect, but itӰԭs important to learn from those experiences and to keep pushing forward.
ӰԭThere are times when your research doesnӰԭt produce the interest you expect,Ӱԭ he admits. ӰԭBut every time that happens, you have to look back and think about how to reframe your work. You have to take risks if you want to produce valuable output.Ӱԭ
Dr. Balcilar also stresses the importance of collaboration in producing high-quality research. Over the years, he has built a strong network of colleagues who have helped him to expand his vision and to continue producing work that is widely recognized.
ӰԭCollaborating with other scientists has been crucial for me,Ӱԭ he says. ӰԭItӰԭs important to work with people. ThatӰԭs how you keep growing and producing work that matters.
ӰԭTaking risks, collaborating with others, and focusing on the long-term impactӰԭthatӰԭs what IӰԭve learned,Ӱԭ he adds. ӰԭAnd thatӰԭs what IӰԭll continue to do.Ӱԭ