Prof. J.P.J.M. Smits (Jeroen)

Jeroen Smits is Professor of Comparative Economic and Human Development at the Department of Economics and founder of the Global Data Lab. Before Joining Radboud University he worked at Utrecht University, University of Amsterdam and the National Institute of Health and the Environment (RIVM).

Jeroen's major research interests are (all forms of) inequality, social cohesion, (economic) development and database building. He published comparative studies in the fields of education, child labor, women’s employment, child mortality, intermarriage and (public) health related issues in LMICs.

He developed several data tools and indicators, including a subnational version of the UNDP's Human Development Index, a comparable wealth index for low and middle income countries (LMICs), a global climate vulnerability index and the GDL Area Database which provides 100+ subnational development indicators for 125+ LMICs.