Notre Dame's Adam Smith Professor Receives Julian L. Simon Memorial Award

James Otteson, the John T. Ryan Jr. Professor of Business Ethics at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Julian L. Simon Memorial Award. The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), a nonprofit, market-oriented think tank, presented the award to Otteson during its annual dinner on September 18 in Washington, D.C. 

Otteson, widely recognized as the “Adam Smith professor,” has spent more than a decade advancing the understanding of markets, moral responsibility in business and the principles of a purpose-driven life. A prolific scholar of Adam Smith’s philosophy, he has authored and co-authored numerous works, including “Adam Smith’s Marketplace of Life.” His forthcoming book, “Human Dignity: Surprising Implications for Taking a Key Idea Seriously,” continues his exploration of how moral and economic ideas shape human flourishing. 

“It is an honor to receive this award, not only because of the esteemed company of past winners, but also for the legacy of Julian Simon himself, who reminded us that human beings are our most valuable — and indeed, ‘ultimate’ — resource,” Otteson said. 

The Julian L. Simon Memorial Award was established by CEI in 2001 to honor the legacy of economist Julian L. Simon (1932–1998), whose groundbreaking research demonstrated that human ingenuity allows the environment to support a growing population. Each year, the award is given to an individual whose work advances Simon’s vision of optimism, innovation and human dignity. 

“Jim Otteson gives us the tools to discover meaningful answers to the question of why we pursue a free society,” said Kent Lassman, CEI president and CEO. “His work illuminates how liberal ideas like tolerance, mutual respect and open exchange form the foundation for peace, prosperity and innovation.” This year’s gala featured a keynote address by Hernando de Soto, internationally recognized champion of free trade and president of the Institute for Liberty and Democracy. 

Visit the CEI website for more information about CEI or the Julian L. Simon Memorial Award.