John Firth
Current Position
Director, Global Health and Development, Rethink Priorities
Distinguished Trustee, Plaksha University
Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (PhD, Development Economics)
Bio
John Firth is the Director of Global Health and Development at Rethink Priorities, a research and implementation group focused on maximizing social impact. He previously taught at the University of Oxford, where he was associated with the Global Priorities Institute, and at the University of Notre Dame. His research expertise spans development economics, policy evaluation and global health.
John has also held research appointments at the Centre for Global Development and J-PAL, where he contributed to evidence-based solutions for global challenges.
As a board member at the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation, John plays an active role in shaping the foundation’s philanthropic initiatives. He oversees grants to educational institutions and supports non-profits working across India in healthcare, education and economic development. His commitment to rigorous research and effective philanthropy makes him a key figure in advancing impactful social change.