Max Roser

Global population cartogram

Global annual CO2 emissions by world region since 1750

Life expectancy by world region, from 1770 to 2018

Max Roser is a German economist, historian, and the founder of Our World in Data, a non-profit organization that aims to make data and research on the world's largest problems accessible and understandable. Roser's work primarily focuses on global trends in health, economics, poverty, and a wide array of societal metrics, aiming to provide a comprehensive statistical picture of human progress.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Max Roser was born in Germany. Details about his early life are sparse, but his academic journey led him to pursue higher education in economics and philosophy. Roser earned his degree from the University of Kassel and later pursued further studies at the University of Oxford. At Oxford, he focused on economic history, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors in data-driven research on global development.

Career[edit | edit source]

Roser's career is marked by his dedication to understanding and communicating the economic and social history of humanity through data. His most notable contribution is the founding of Our World in Data, an online publication that covers a wide range of topics including but not limited to health, poverty, violence, and environmental changes. The platform is renowned for its rigorous use of data to illustrate progress and challenges in various domains across different countries and time periods.

Through Our World in Data, Roser and his team compile, visualize, and interpret data from numerous sources, making complex information accessible to a broad audience. This work involves not only the presentation of data but also the contextual analysis to understand the underlying trends and causes.

Contributions to Public Understanding of Global Issues[edit | edit source]

Max Roser's work has significantly contributed to the public understanding of global issues. By making data freely available and easily understandable, he has provided valuable resources for educators, policymakers, journalists, and the general public. His efforts have highlighted important trends, such as the dramatic reduction in global poverty and improvements in health and education over the last few centuries.

Roser's work emphasizes the importance of a data-driven approach to understanding global challenges and assessing the impact of policies. His presentations and writings argue for optimism based on empirical evidence, showing that despite the ongoing challenges, the world has made remarkable progress in many areas.

Publications and Media[edit | edit source]

While Max Roser has contributed to various academic and non-academic publications, his most significant work remains the continuous development of Our World in Data. The platform itself serves as a living publication, constantly updated with new data and analyses. Roser's expertise is also frequently sought in media interviews and public discussions, where he advocates for evidence-based approaches to solving global problems.

Impact and Recognition[edit | edit source]

Max Roser's innovative approach to data dissemination and his commitment to improving public understanding of global development have earned him recognition in academic and policy circles. His work with Our World in Data has been cited in numerous academic papers, policy reports, and by international organizations seeking to inform and influence global development strategies.