Newly appointed Associate Professor Itai Arieli knows exactly what the Department of Economics at the University of Toronto is like. The specialist in economic theory and game theory took the two years to see how the university’s strong academic reputation plays out in real life. He decided to stay.
“During my time here as a visiting professor, I experienced firsthand the department’s collegial atmosphere and intellectual vitality,” Professor Arieli said. “I look forward to contributing through both research and teaching and to being an active part of the academic community.”
Professor Arieli’s research focuses on game theory, information economics, market design, and network formation. His recent work has been published in Econometrica, Theoretical Economics, and the Journal of Economic Theory.
“I study how agents communicate strategically under uncertainty, how beliefs are shaped in social and economic networks, and how incentives influence the diffusion of information,” he explained. “I am particularly interested in the interplay between individual behavior and collective outcomes, and I welcome collaboration with colleagues interested in these topics, whether in theory or applications.”
Arieli is currently teaching the undergraduate ECO316, Applied Game Theory. Moving forward, his primary appointment will be at Economics UTM where his emphasis on game theory will continue.
“My teaching is model-based and emphasizes clarity, structure, and analytical reasoning,” he explained. “I aim to develop students’ ability to think rigorously about strategic behavior and economic outcomes, using formal tools in an accessible and engaging way.”
UTM’s emphasis on experiential learning is especially relevant to Arieli’s teaching style and his goals for his students.
“I benefited from mentors who valued precision, curiosity, and independent thinking,” Arieli said. “These are the qualities I try to pass on to students by encouraging careful reasoning and a deep understanding of the logic behind economic models.”
Return to the Department of Economics website.
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