Kosali Simon, a distinguished professor at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, has received the 2023 Henry R. Besch, Jr. Promotion of Excellence Award from the Alliance of Distinguished and Titled Professors at Indiana University.

The honor recognizes an individual who has exhibited distinction in promoting and encouraging the growth of excellence at IU. Simon, who is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, is a nationally known scholar who uses the tools of economic analysis to answer questions about U.S. health policy.

“It was such an honor to receive this prize, and I felt so humbled because I had watched my academic idols receive it in previous years,” said Simon, who also is a Herman B Wells Endowed Professor at IU and a Paul O’Neill Chair. “When I received the letter notifying me of the award, I first felt surprise, which turned quickly into gratitude. I am grateful for my wonderful research colleagues—IU faculty, staff, and students—and those who nominated me, because it’s being able to work with them that makes research a fulfilling experience. I hope that everyone gets to have as amazing a set of colleagues.”

Simon also serves as the Associate Vice Provost for Health Sciences at IUB, Associate Director of the Irsay Institute, and the Director of IU’s Research Data Commons. Outside IU, she is a research associate of the National Bureau for Economic Research, current President of the American Society of Health Economists., editor of the Journal of Health Economics, and a health advisor to the Congressional Budget Office.

Simon was recognized during the Alliance’s annual dinner, and she served as the keynote speaker at the event.

“We’re extremely proud of our faculty at the O’Neill School, and we appreciate the high standards they uphold at IU,” said Siân Mooney, dean of the O’Neill School. “Kosali’s work and reputation is nearly unparalleled, and she’s richly deserving of this honor.”