After observing the struggles of several Bulgarian families to support their children with autism, I created this web site to raise awareness about autism in Bulgaria and I began my “Gravity for Autism” initiative. Specifically, on April 21, 2019, I started to teach my "Trade Policy Analysis with the Structural Gravity Model", course with the goal of earning $60,000, which I would donate to support children with autism in my hometown in Bulgaria. $60,000 may not seem a lot, but would go a long way in Bulgaria, where a speech therapist session cost $12-23 (e.g., in U.S. it is $100-250). This web site tracked my progress, and I used it to thank the people and institutions that supported me.
I devote this effort to my goddaughter Aleksandra. You, Alex, are simply AMAZING!!!
I completed my goal on May 27, 2021, with a keynote lecture at a wonderful webinar organized by the Bank of Canada & the Laboratoire d’Economie d’Orléans. This was my 65th gravity for autism talk.
On June 1, 2021, the International Children's Day, I donated the money that I earned to ensure full support for six children, which continues today. I am honored and privileged to be able to help children and families in need from my hometown, Pleven, Bulgaria, and I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped me, especially to my wife and two boys!
My "Gravity with Gravitas for Autism" initiative gave me the opportunity to visit many of my friends and excellent (trade) economists at their home institutions. I also had the chance to meet many talented and ambitious young scholars, and to discuss research with colleagues who I did not know before. I learned about many exciting projects and interesting databases, and I started a few new projects with former coauthors and with cpolleagues who I did not know before. Despite not beeing a big fan of traveling, I very much enjoyed and appreciated the beauty and uniqueness of every place I visited during my early moring runs and while touring these places around with my hosts. Below is a list of the places that I have vistied as part of my "gravity for autism" travels. I am extremely grateful to my kind hosts for the great times and all the woderful memories! Thank You!!!
1st "Gravity for Autism" presentation, March 26-28,
2019, Universtity of Trier, Trier, Germany. My first
“Gravity for Autism” presentation was an intensive gravity
course at the University of Trier. The students who took the
course were interested and smart. I was happy to learn that some
of them already used the graity model in their work. I also
enjoyed Trier, a beautiful Roman town (also birthplace of Karl
Marx). Best of all, I had a great time with my host, good friend
and brilliant trade economist, Xenia Matschke, and with her
amazing family. Thank you Trier! Thank you Xenia!
2nd and 3rd "Gravity for Autism" presentations, April
1-4, 2019, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. My second and
third “Gravity for Autism” presentations were an intensive
gravity course and a research seminar. Had fun and stimulating
discussions with course participants from KU Leuven, the Europen
Commission, and Bank of England. Had the pleasure to meet a
great fellow trade economist Mathieu Parenti. My seminar At KU
Leuven was on "Gravity and Sanctions". Morning run by the famous
Church and the Stella Artois brewery was enjoyable too! I thank
my friend and one of Belgium’s finest trade economists, Hylke
Vandenbussche, for warm hospitality and a great time!
4th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, April 9-11, 2019,
CES ifo Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich,
Germany. They won it all (again): Congrats to FC
Bayern! My next "gravity for autism" course was part of the
prestigious CES ifo Group lectures at Ludwig Maximilian
University of Munich. Particiapnts included a group of excellent
Masters and Ph.D students from CES, ifo, and LMU. My friend,
Professor Carsten Eckel hosted. In Germany Carsten Eckel is for
trade what Franz Beckenbauer is for football. Thanks, "Der
Carsten”!
5th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, April 16-20,
2019, Drexel Universtity, Philadelphia, USA. Fifth
"gravity for autism" presentation was at a workshop on Sanctions
at my home, Drexel, which I co-organized with friends and
brilliant trade economists Gabriel Felbermayr and Costas
Syropoulos. Many thanks to Prof. Stehr and Dean Jensen for
hosting us. Three living legends delivered the keynotes; Thanks
to Professors Jonathan Eaton, Cliff Morgan, and Gary Hufbauer!
So proud of this timely event on sanctions! Passionate and
competent presenters and discussants. Insightful and
constructive interdisciplinary interactions. And, yes, a Yoga
session for the participants. How cool was that!!
6th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, April 24-25,
2019, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
Sixth "gravity for autism" presentation was at the University of
Goettingen, once home of brilliant mathematician Gauss and of
the Grimm Brothers. Presented work on gravity and sanctions. Got
great comments and feedback. Had wonderful time and stimulating
discussions with great economists Professors Udo Kreickemeier
and Inmaculada Martinez Zarzoso. Thanks Udo and the University
of Goettingen for your hospitality!
7th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, April 26-27,
2019, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom.
Seventh "gravity for autism" presentation was at De Montfort
University, where I talked about gravity and economic sanctions.
De Montfort has a great trade group and I had fun, stimulating
disucssions, and pleasant interactions with hosts, Drs.
Cartwright and Wang. Loved Leicester, home of 2015-16 Premier
League Campiions, Leicester City Football Club. At 5000:1 odds
against them!!! Best story ever!! RIP Vichai!
8th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, May 6-7, 2019,
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Eighth "gravity for
autism" presentation was at University of Oxford, where, for the
first time, I presented our new Structural Trade Openness Index
(with Anderson and Larch) based on work that was supported by
UNCTAD. Had great time and stimulating discussions with two of
world's finest trade economists, Kevin O'Rourke and mentor and
friend Peter Neary! Thank you Peter and Kevin! Visit to UK gave
me an opportunity to spend time with best hair stylist in
London, who happens to be my little sister, Yuliya. Pity I no
longer can benefit from her amazing skills, but who needs hair
with a body like mine :)
9th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, May 15-16, 2019,
ETH and KOF, Zurich, Switzerland. 9th "gravity for
autism" talk was at ETH, Zurich. I got excellent fedback on the
Structural Trade Openness Index (with Anderson and Larch) and
this work is moving forward in good pace. Rare, but still
possible, to find colleagues who do deep work across fields,
e.g., my host and friend Peter Egger; a brilliant trade guy and
a top econometrician, supporting a great group of young and
talented economists at ETH! And a fellow fisherman on top of
all!! Thanks Peter and ETH!!
10th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, May 17-18, 2019,
Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna, Austria.
My 10th "gravity for autism” talk was a keynote lecture on
"Trade Policy with Gravitas" at the 10th Annual Meeting on
Economic Geography and International Trade (EGIT). Thanks to
Professors Felbermayr, Nitsch, and Suedekum for providing an
important public good for the young trade researchers in Europe.
Had great discussions with young scholars in the field of
international trade, and it was wonderful to see old freinds and
co-authors. Thanks to the Department of Economics at Vienna
University of Economics and Business and to Prof. Badinger for
welcoming us!
11th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, May 24-25, 2019,
ifo Institute, Munich, Germany. Eleventh gravity for
autism talk was during a joint plenary session with legend P.
Neary at the CESifo Global Area Conference. Great keynotes by
Treb Allen and A. Bernard. An amazing cast of papers and
presenters! The picture that we took to support my autism
initiative shows the quality of conference but also that trade
guys are good human beings! Many thanks to conference organizer
and dear friend, Peter Egger, and to the great team at the ifo
Institute!!
12th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, June 2-7, 2019,
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong.
12th "gravity for autism" talk was at Hong Kong University of
Science and Technology's boutique trade yearly workshop.
Excellent quality, great local experts, young scholars, and
researchers from abroad. If you are invited, you shold
definitely go!! Thanks to Professors Yao Amber and Edwin Lai for
warm hospitality! Looking forward to teach "gravity for autism"
at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in November,
2019!!
13th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, June 11-12,
2019, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
13th "gravity for autism" talk was at the Università Politecnica
delle Marche. I taught my intensive gravity course to some very
smart and talented students, who had great questions, ideas, and
topics for discussion! I thank my friend and top trade and
labor/migration economist Alessia Lo Turco for stimulating
discussions on the relationships between trade, migration, and
globalization, and for great hospitality! Thanks Alessia! Thanks
Ancona!
14th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, June 17-18,
2019, U.S. International Trade Commission, Washington DC, USA.
I visited U.S. ITC to contribute to the development of the "Gravity
Portal", a one-stop software for gravity data,
estimations, and general equilibrium analysis (coming soon!).
While visiting the U.S. ITC, I also presented our Structural
Trade Openness Index. Congratulations and thanks to my host,
friend, and great trade economist Dr. Serge Shikher, and to his
team for the effort and success in utilizing structural gravity
for sound, research-based policy analysis!
15th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, June 19, 2019,
World Bank, Washington DC, USA. 15th "gravity for
autism" talk was a seminar at the Development Research Group of
the World Bank. Our Structural Trade Openness index received
excellent reception and I got a series of great comments and
suggestions. As always, it was wonderful to see and interact
with friends and excellent trade economists Erhan Artuc, Jean
Francois Arvis, Paulo Bastos, and Ana Margarida Fernandes. And,
of course, it was my honor and distinct pleasure to see and
catch up my dear friend, mentor, and co-author Dr. Aaditya
Mattoo.
16th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, March 26-28,
2019, Universtity of Trier, Trier, Germany. I taught
GE trade analysis with great researchers, good friends, and
trade policy experts from Bob Koopman's ERSD group. Wonderful to
see smart and ambitious course participants from all over the
world learn, work, and have fun together. I am extremely
grateful to Dr. Robert Teh who welcomed me to the WTO in 2014.
Robert is one of the most humble, thoughtful, and dedicated
trade economists I know! Thanks and congratulations, Robert, on
an amazing career and all the best for an adventurous
retirement!
17th and 18th "Gravity for Autism" presentations were an
intensive course and a seminar on gravity and sanctions, June
16-18, 2019, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
Delivered gravity course to smart, curious, and motivated
students, including a couple of excellent undergrad students.
Enjoyed research discussions with faculty from a strong
Economics Department. Highlight was meeting living legend Prof.
Willi Kohler. Thanks Willi for your contributions to our field
and for mentoring such a great group of students! Thanks friend
and great trade economist Dr. Frank Stähler for hosting me!
19th "gravity for autism" presentation, July 25, 2019,
University of Munich, Munich, Germany. Delivered a
seminar to promote our gravity-based structural trade openness
(STO) index. Got excellent questions and feedback on the paper
from the economists at the econ department at LMU and from
visiting scholars too. Thanks to friends and great trade
economists Carsten Eckel and Andrea Ariu for hosting! Good luck
to Andrea in his bright future career back in Italy, and looking
forward to many great moments at the LMU econ department and at
the Alianz Arena with Der Carsten!!
20th "gravity for autism" talk, August 13, “D.A. Tsenov
Academy of Economics”, Svishtov, Bulgaria. I visited
my alma mater and had productive discussions with President
Marchevski, former professors, and young scholars. Tough times
for higher education in Bulgaria and, in particular, for smaller
and more remote places such as the Tsenov academy. However, I am
very hopeful that, with so many smart and ambitious people,
better times are coming. Looking forward to my teaching "gravity
for autism" course at @TsenovAcademy in October!!
21st "gravity for autism", August 21, The United States
Department of Agriculture, Washington D.C., USA.
Delivered a presentation on gravity and sanctions and used the
opportunity to overview the latest theory and empirical
developments in the structural gravity literature. Great to see
strong interest in applying structural gravity estimations and
general equilibrium modeling for policy analysis in agriculture,
including quantifying the impact of SPSs in particular. Looking
forward to learn more about trade and agriculture through
further discussions and collaborations with agricultural
economists. Thanks Shawn Arita for hosting!
22nd "gravity for autism" presentation, August 23, 2019,
The United States Trade Representative, Washington D.C., USA.
Delivered an overview of the latest theory and empirical
developments in the structural gravity literature in front of a
number of researchers and policy makers from various departments
of the U.S. government as well as to colleagues from the United
Kingdom Department for International Trade. Wonderful to see
interest in and recognition of structural gravity as the way to
go for good policy making when needed the most. Thanks friend
and brilliant economist Kari Heerman for organizing my visit!
23rd "Gravity for Autism" presentation, August 26, 2019,
U.S. International Trade Commission, Washington DC, USA.
I was very happy to deliver my 23rd “Gravity for Autism”
presentation at the Office of Economics of the U.S.
International Trade Commission. I spoke on gravity and economic
sanctions, and received excellent comments and feedback. Very
excited about joint work with colleagues from U.S. ITC on
developing a new trade and production database (as part of the
ITC "Gravity
Portal"), which will enable researchers and
policy makers to obtain theory-consistent gravity estimates with
international and intra-national trade flows. Thanks Drs. Powers
and Shikher for warm hospitality!!
24th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, September 1-5,
2019, Arab Monetary Fund, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
24th "gravity for autism" presentation was at the Arab Monetary
Fund, Abu Dhabi, where I taught general equilibrium analysis
with the structural gravity model to a very motivated and
impressive group of policy makers (half of whom were women!)
Visit to the Arab Monetary Fund at the United Arab Emirates gave
me a chance to brush up my Arabic, which I thought was long gone
since I studied it in college. But even wihtout Arabic, it was
claer that people can speak the gravity language of trade
policy! Thanks to the wonderful people at AMF and UAE for warm
hospitality!!
25th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, September 13,
2019, Bank of Spain, Madrid, Spain. 25th "gravity for
autism" talk was at the Bank of Spain. I presented work on
structural gravity in front of a great group of economists and
in a building with magnificent architecture and an amazing
library!! Had wonderful time with friend and great trade
economist Blanca Sanchez-Robles. And, of course, used
opportunity to watch some great football in Madrid. Looking
forward to teach "gravity for autism" course at Banco De Espana
in November!! Thanks to Dr. Timini for hosting me!!
26th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, September 16-18,
2019, The Deutsche Bundesbank, Frankfurt, Germany. My
26th "gravity for autism" presentation was in the form of an
intensive gravity course at The Deutsche Bundesbank. Had
productive time and stimulating discussions on opportunities to
structurally link trade and macro with a great group of
participants from The Deutsche Bundesbank and from the European
Central Bank. Hamburger and beer with Peter Egger was a welcome
bonus. Thanks Dr. Philipp Meinen for inviting me and for
hosting!!
27th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, September 19,
2019, The German Institute for Economic Research, Berlin,
Germany. My 27th "gravity for autism" talk was at the
The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). Presented
structural gravity modeling and ideas for possible links between
trade and macro to small group of great macroeconomists. Thanks
Dr. Menkhoff and DIW, Berlin for the opportunity!! Another,
personal, highlight for me was meeting my childhood friend, and
godfather of my boys, Jimmy and my new gorgeous research
assistant Philip!
28th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, September 20,
2019, The Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Kiel, Germany.
The 28th "gravity for autism" talk was at the Kiel Institute for
the World Economy, where I presented joint work on trade
imbalances with the President of the Kiel Institute and my dear
frined, Professor Dr. Felbermayr. Wonderful to see a great group
of smart and ambitious young scholars matched with dedicated
senior mentors. A solid foundation for President Felbermayr’s
ambitions to make the Kiel Institute a powerhouse in
international econ research and consulting. Thanks for
hospitality and good luck!!
29th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, September 23-25,
2019, The Organization for Economic Development and
Cooperation, Paris, France. The 29th "gravity for
autism" presentation was at the Organization for Economic
Development and Cooperation, where I taught my intensive
structural gravity course to a very competent group of
researchers and policy makers from different units at OECD.
Learned about new data and generated exciting research ideas.
Saw many friends and colleagues. Lunch with friend and a great
trade economist, Farid Toubal, was a welcome bonus! Many thanks
to wonderful host and friend Dr. Susan Stone!!!
30th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, October 11-13,
2019, Midwest Meetings in International Trade, St. Louis, USA.
30th "gravity for autism" talk at the Midwest Meetings in
international trade. Presenting at the Midwest Meetings is
always special to me!! This conference has a special place in my
heart, and I have no words to thank Ray Riezman for this
wonderful public good. Ray has organized 76 (!!) meetings of
quality, friendship, inclusion, and support for young trade
scholars regardless or race, gender, and geographic location!
Few other trade economists have contributed so much for our
profession!! You rock Ray!! Thank You!!
31st and 32nd "Gravity for Autism" presentations,
October 21-23, Bank of England, London, United Kingdom.
31st and 32nd "gravity for autism" presentations were an
intensive structural gravity course and a seminar on trade
imbalances at the Bank of England. Had good time and productive
discussions on structural links between trade and macro with a
great group of economists from the Bank of England! Highlight
for me was that a brilliant physicist such as Dr. Arthur Turrell
attended and spoke highly of my course. Many thanks to friend
and great trade economist Dr. Rebecca Freeman for hosting!!
33rd "Gravity for Autism" presentation, October 28-30,
2019, Universitat Jaume I Castellon, Spain. 33rd
"gravity for autism" course was at the Universitat Jaume I
Castellon. This was a special experience! I had a truly
enjoyable and very productive time among great economists and
genuinely wonderful people. I taught, I laughed, I started a new
project, and I had tons of fun with great people! I thank my new
friends at Universitat Jaume I Castellon, and especially
excellent economist and friend Prof. Maite Alguacil Marí for
amazing hospitality!
34th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, November 5,
2019, The German Institute of Global and Area Studies,
Hamburg, Germany. My 34th "gravity for autism"
presentation was a research seminar on quantifying the partial
and general equilibrium impact and effectiveness of economic
sanctions with the structural gravity model, at the German
Institute of Global and Area Studies. I had a very productive
and pleasant time interacting with political scientists and
discussing opportunities for collaboration. Thanks Christian von
Soest and Julia Grauvogel for hospitality!
35th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, November 18-20,
2019, Bank of Spain, Madrid, Spain. The 35th "gravity
for autism" presentation was an intensive structural gravity
course at the Bank of Spain, where I returned after giving a
seminar talk in September. Once again, I had great time and
productive discussions on links between trade and macro,
currency unions, and regional gravity models. I also started a
new project on trade and the gold standard with Dr. Jacopo
Timini. Lunch with friend, amazing economist, and wonderful
person Dr. Blanca Sanchez-Robles was a highlight, as always!
Thanks Jacopo for hosting me!!
36th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, December 8,
2019, International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium,
Washington DC, USA. The 36th "gravity for autism"
presentation was in a plenary session at the anual meeting of
the International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium. Was
wonderful to see how well structural gravity was accepted by the
agricultural researchers and policy makers. Had many great
conversations and generated ideas for several projects, which I
hope will materialize soon. I am very grateful to the organizing
committee and especially to my friend and briliant economist Dr.
Kari Heerman for the invitation to present at this important
event! Thank you Kari!
37th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, December 9,
2019, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington DC,
USA. 37th "gravity for autism" presentation was on
latest developments in structural gravity modeling and
estimation at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Had very
stimulating discussions with excellent researchers and policy
makers. I see great potential for more work on the links between
trade and various environmental outcomes, and I look ofrward to
potential collaborations with the great colleagues from EPA.
Thanks Dr. Ann Wolverton for hosting me!
38th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, December 10-12,
2019, Gravity Course, Washington DC, USA. 38th
"gravity for autism" presentation was an intensive structural
gravity course, which I co-taught with friend and great trade
economist, Dr. Serge Shikher, in Washington DC. A strong and
diverse group of particiapnts in our course, who came from the
U.S. Trade Representative, the Heritage Foundation, and even
from the Global Affairs department of the Canadian Goverment.
Great experience, great questions, great policy insights, great
discussions!! Should definitely do it again!!
39th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, January 17,
2020, ETH-KOF, Zurich, Switzerland. 39th "gravity for
autism" presentation was at ETH-KOF. As always, a great
experience. Received useful feedback on gravity research. More
importantly, I spent time with excellent economists and good
friends. Wonderful to catch up with Dr. Davide Suverato, a good
friend and strong addition to the ETH trade group! Congrats to
Dr. Nora Strecker for impactful research and an excellent
placement at Dublin! Good luck Nora! Also good luck to Dr.
Sophia Ding in her new pursuits!! And, of course, always a
privilege and a pleasure to catch up with dear friend Dr.
Egger!! Thanks Peter and EHT for warm hospitality and a
wonderful time!
40th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, January 30-31,
2020, Internatioal Monetary Fund, Washington DC, USA.
My 40th “Gravity for Autism” presentation was an intensive
gravity course at the Internatioal Monetary Fund. When the IMF
invites someone to cover the latest developments in trade, then
you really know that trade is back in fashion:) I had a wondeful
time, excellent questions, productive office hours, and very
stimulating discussions with high quality particiapnts in the
course. I am very grateful to Dr. Anand and the Institute for
Capacity development for the invitation. Special thanks to Dr.
Hasanov and Ms Berhane for warm hospitality!
41st "Gravity for Autism" presentation, February 10,
2020, Drexel Economics Society, Philadelphia, USA. My
41st “Gravity for Autism” presentation was a short introduction
to structural gravity modeling and its application for a group
of very talented, smart, and motivated undergraduate students
from the Drexel Economics Society at the LeBow College of
Business at my home institution, Drexel University. It was great
to see the interest these young students had in research.
Received excellent and thoughtful questions that demonstrated
the high quality of our undergraduate students!
42nd "Gravity for Autism" presentation, February 15,
2020, European Central Bank, Frankfurt, Germany. My
42nd "Gravity for Autism” presentation was a seminar on
bilateral trade imbalances modeling with structural gravity at
the European Central Bank. You know that your research is
important if you can pass security in Frankfurt with an FC
Bayern hat!! Got excellent feedback and many questions during my
seminar, and had great time at lunch and during individual
meetings with a number of excellent economists at ECB. Thanks to
friends and great economists Philipp Meinen and Roberta Serafini
for warm hospitality!
43rd "Gravity for Autism" presentation, February, 2020,
LeBow College of Business, Drexel University, Philadelphia,
USA. My 43rd "Gravity for Autism” presentation was at
Drexel University. It was a great pleasure to be able to bring
home and teach a course that I have delivered around the world
with the support of my department, my college, and my
university. I was really excited to share my knowledge and
experience with good masters students who have very bright
careers ahead!! Thanks guys for a great "term of trade":)
44th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, May 21, 2020,
III Jornada Investigacion Internacionali- zacion. My
44th "Gravity for Autism” presentation was at the III Jornada
Investigacion Internacionalizacion conference, Nebrija
University. It was a privilege to deliver the closing keynote. I
gave an overview of the developments in structural gravity
modeling with an application to bilateral trade imbalances. This
was my first online seminar. Felt a bit strange, but I still
enjoyed it. Special thanks to excellent economists Jordi
Paniagua and Rafa Myro for inviting me.
45th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, July 2020, 2020,
RTG. My 45th "Gravity for Autism” presentation was an
intensive gravity course that I delivered to the “Regional
Disparities and Economic Policy” research group. Wonderful to
see a great group of smart and ambitious young scholars matched
with great senior mentors under a joint initiative by TU
Dortmund, the University of Duisburg-Essen, and the
Ruhr-Universität Bochum, with support from German Research
Foundation. Special thanks to Sebastian Kunert and Tobias Seidel
for hospitality, and good luck!!
46th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, October, 2020,
the University of Tokyo. My 46th "Gravity for Autism”
presentation was an intensive gravity course that I delivered at
the University of Tokyo to a great group of scholars and policy
makers including graduate students and faculty from the
University of Tokyo and researchers from the Asian Development
Bank. Excellent questions, feedback, and productive times. I
wish I could deliver this one in person, and I hope that a great
trade economist and friend Taiji Furusawa will invite me again
to visit in person in the future. Many thanks!!
47th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, November, 2020,
the AEEFI. My 47th "Gravity for Autism” presentation
was an intensive gravity course that was organized by the
Spanish Association of International Economics and Finance with
participants from various universities and from the European
Commission. This was a great group with a lot of questions and
discussion. Another wonderful (productive and enjoyable)
experience! Many thanks to my frined and great economist Javier
Ordóñez for hosting me and for oranizing the course!!
48th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, November, 2020,
the U.S. ITC. My 48th "Gravity for Autism”
presentation was opening a session on structural gravity
modeling at the U.S. ITC's Virtual Modeling Symposium, where I
argued that Structural Gravity is an Estimating CGE (E-CGE)
model. Great to see GTAP legends and researchers who use
Structural Gravity discuss modeling developments and methods to
address important policy questions and new challenges. Check out
the U.S. ITC's Gravity Portal at
https://www.usitc.gov/data/gravity/index.htm
49th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, December, 2020,
the NBER. My 49th "Gravity for Autism” presentation
was at the Winter International Trade and Investment (ITI)
meetings of the NBER. I was very excited (but also quite
nervous) to present brand new work on structural gravity and the
extensive margin of trade (with Jim Anderson). Key contribution
was the introduction of the "Domestic Extensive Margin (DEM)".
Conference was of great quality, as expected, and it was
wonderful to see some of the top guys in our field offer
constructive advice to the talented younger researchers. Thanks
to Steve Redding for including our paper on the program and for
his encouragement!
50th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, December, 2020,
Kiel. My 50th "Gravity for Autism” presentation was
an intensive gravity course at the Advanced Studies Program of
the Kiel Institute. Wonderful to see great interest from many
colleagues at Kiel, and also from participants from all over the
world. A great group, with a lot of questions and stimulating
discussions. Thanks to friend and very talented young economist
Olivier Godart for inviting me, for oranizing the course, and
for running one of world's top programs for graduate studies in
international economics!
51st "Gravity for Autism" presentation, December, 2020,
DIT. My 51st "Gravity for Autism” talk was a
presentation of partial and general equilibrium structural
gravity modeling at the Department for International Trade of
the United Kingdom. Excellent questions and very stimulating
discussion with smart and motivated policy makers and academic
colleagues. The structural gravity model is indeed very well
suited to address a number of relevant and important policy
questions. While, personally, I would have preferred a world
without BREXIT, I also see that this major event motivated us to
think harder about the tools we have to characterize it and its
consequences.
52nd "Gravity for Autism" presentation, November, 2020,
LMU, Munich. My 52nd "Gravity for Autism”
presentation was an intensive gravity course, which I taught to
Master Students at LMU Munich. The group was small, but the
students were extremely motivated and very good. Not only they
understood and mastered the material but, in a short period of
time, they were able to effectively apply it to study the
effects of current and important policy events including the
US-China trade war, BREXIT, the trade trade relationships
between Canada and U.S., etc. Seeing the students enjoy learning
was a very rewarding experience. I thank friend and brilliant
trade econmist "Der Carsten Eckel" for the opportunity!
53rd "Gravity for Autism" presentation, December, 2020,
ESCAP and ARTNeT. My 53rd "Gravity for Autism”
presentation was an intensive gravity course, which was
organized by the United Nations ESCAP and ARTNeT. Was very happy
to see great interest in the course and that the participants
found it useful. I enjoyed stimulating discussions with some CGE
modelrs who saw the benefits of combining structural gravity
methods with their work. I am very grateful to Drs. Mia Mikic
and Alex Kravchenko for the opportunity and to all participants
for their engagement in the course!!
54th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, January 5, 2021,
ASSA. My 54th "Gravity for Autism” talk was at the
annual meeting of the American Economic Association. I presented
joint work with Gabriel Felbermayr. We show that the structural
gravity model is well suited to predict bilateral trade
imbalances. Once again, the multilateral restittances won the
gold medal! Very grateful to the International Economics and
Finance Society for the invitation to present in this great
session, and especially to Matt Cole for the swift handling of
the organization matters.
55th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, January 20,
2021, Paris. My 55th "Gravity for Autism”
presentation was a lecture at the Université Paris-Dauphine-PSL.
I taught students how to perfrom general equilibrium analysis
with the structural gravity model. Omitting the GE links may
lead to very significant (e.g., 20 to 50 percent) deviations
from the true effects of trade and other policies. Enjoyed
interactions and discussions with very smart and motivated
master students and colleagues. Many thanks to my friend and
brilliant trade economist Farid Toubal for the opportunity!!
56th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, February 22,
2021, Boston College. My 56th “Gravity for Autism”
presentation was a seminar at my alma mater, Boston College. I
presented joint work with friend and co-author Gabriel
Felbermayr in which we uncover a new property of the structural
multilateral resistances as asymmetric trade costs. The
highlight of this presentation was when the father of structural
gravity, and a mentor and dear friend, Jim Anderson, said that
he enjoyed learning from me about this new property of the
multilateral resistances. Thanks, Jim and BC!!
57th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, March 10, 2021,
World Bank. My 57th “Gravity for Autism” presentation
was a research seminar at the World Bank, where I presented new
work on the impact of state aid on trade. My co-authors Mario
Larch, Serge Shikher, Jose Signoret and I propose a structural
estimation framework that decomposes the effects of production
subsidies on trade and production into direct, indirect and
general equilibrium effects. Using new data by the World Bank,
we find evidence that production subsidies promote trade
disproportionately.
58th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, March 12, 2021,
Drexel University. My 58th “Gravity for Autism”
presentation was a graduate course on trade policy with
structural gravity at home, the LeBow College of Business at
Drexel University. I was very excited to bring the course home
and to share the experience that I have collected with our own
master students. I am very grateful for the support of the
School of Economics, the LeBow College of Business and Drexel
University for their constant support and I wish our graduate
students good luck in their future careers!
59th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, March 22, 2021,
Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.. My 59th
“Gravity for Autism” presentation was a seminar on structural
gravity and bilateral trade imbalances. It was wonderful to
catch up with friend and excellent economist Alex Tarasov, and I
very much enjoyed a number of productive discussions with
colleagues from HSE. I learned about some new and exciting
research that is related to my work, and I look forward to
continue these conversations. Thanks HSE! And thanks and good
luck Alex in your new endeavors!
60th "Gravity for Autism" presentation, March 25, 2021,
Vienna University of Economics and Business. My 60th
“Gravity for Autism” presentation was a seminar, jointly
organized by the Vienna Institute for International Economic
Studies and the Centre of Competence in International Economics.
It was great to see interest in my joint work on trade
imbalances with Felbermayr and catch up with friends. Received
excellent questions and feedback. Thanks, wiiw, FIW Mahdi Ghodsi
and Birgit Buschbom for the invitation and for the hospitality!
61st "Gravity for Autism" presentation, April 21, 2021,
Bank of Lithuania. It was great to deliver my 61st
“Gravity for Autism” talk at the Bank of Lithuania. Got
excellent feedback and had very stimulating discussions about
the links between aggregate and bilateral trade imbalances with
a wonderful group of international economists! Woderful to see
the interest and trade and academic research at the Bank of
Lithuania! Thanks to Dr. Mariarosaria Comunale for the
invitation and for the hospitality.
62nd "Gravity for Autism" presentation, May 13, 2021,
the Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade
(ARTNeT). It was a true pleasure to deliver my 62nd
“Gravity for Autism” presentation at Asia-Pacific Research and
Training Network on Trade. Very rewarding to see interest from
policy makers in academic methods and findings. Thanks, Dr. Mia
Mikic for the invitation and for all her contributions to
international trade! I hope we meet in person (and hopefully in
Bangkok:)) sooner rather than later.
63rd "Gravity for Autism" presentation was at the
Ministry of the Economy, Armenian Government. My 63rd
“Gravity for Autism” presentation was at the Ministry of the
Economy of the Armenian Government. I discussed the suitability
of the strucutral gravity model for partial and general
equilibrium trade policy analysis. It was impressive to learn
about the trade policy changes in Armenia, and also wonderful to
see the interest of policy makers in the latest developments
from the academic trade and gravity literature.
64th "Gravity for Autism" presentation was at the
University of Trier. My 64th “Gravity for Autism”
presentation was a seminar on gravity and trade imbalances at
Trier. Had great time and received useful feedback and
thoughtful questions. Trier is special to me because this is
where I started my gravity for autism initiative two years ago.
It was wonderful to see, even if only virtually, my good friend
anf brilliant trade economist Xenia Matschke. Thanks Xenia for
the invitation and Trier for the hospitality!!
65th "Gravity for Autism" presentation was a keynote
lecture at the Trade Workshop of the Bank of Canada & the
Laboratoire d’Economie d’Orléans on May 27, 2021. I
reviewed the evolution of the structural gravity model. This
presentation was special because I prepared jointly with my
little son, Ivan, who likes green heroes. In addition, this was
my last "Gravity for Autism" preseantation before I donated the
money that I earned over the past two years in my home town. I
thank Camelia Turcu and the organizers of the workshop for the
invitation and for a great event!
On June 1, 2021, the International Children's Day, I donated the money that I earned to ensure full support for six children. I felt honored and privileged to be able to help children in need from my hometown, Pleven, Bulgaria. I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped me, especially to my wife and two boys!
I have been blessed to be surrounded by a wonderful family and so many good friends and amazing people. I am so grateful for your support!!
Most of all, I thank my wonderful family. I am extremely
fortunate to have you: Aneliya--the most gorgeous and kind
woman, who has been supporting me for more then sixteen years
since our engagement; Valentin-- the best footballer among
mathematicians and vice versa; and Ivan--the owner of the
biggest and bravest heart on earth! Thanks! I love you! Not
spending time with you is the biggest cost that I pay while
traveling to teach “gravity for autism”. I am very grateful and
proud of you for supporting me and I will make every minute
together count.
I thank my Mom, Dr. Snezhina Todorova, for being the best mother
one could have! You have always been an inspiration and a role
model to me. Thanks for your support and encouragement, for
being the best pediatrician, and for helping with my autism
initiative! Love you, Mom!!
My "gravity for autism" travels gave me a chance to spend time with H.R.H. Princess Maria Luisa of Bulgaria. I was honored and humbled. Thank you, Your Highness for all that you do for Bulgaria, and for your encouragement & support for my "gravity for autism" initiative.
My “gravity for autism” initiative is what my home, Drexel
University, is all about: cutting-edge research; dedication to
teaching; and leadership in civic engagement. Thanks Drexel,
President Fry, Provost Jensen, Dean Madan, and Prof. Stehr for
your support.
Sincere gratitude to Dr. Diana Robins and her team at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute for their research on autism and for sharing the M-CHAT - one of the most widely-used tools for autism diagnostics, which is already successfully implemented by Dr. Todorova in my home town in Bulgaria.
Special thanks to my coauthors and dear friends Professors James
Anderson, Mario Larch, and Costas Syropoulos for your support
for my "gravity for gravitas" initiative. Interacting with,
learning from, and working with you has been one of the most
pleasant aspects of my "job". Pic on left is with Drs. Costas
and Heidi Syropoulos while testing the strength and persistence
of our “love of variety’’ for locally brewed Philly beer.
Thanks Stata Corp. for providing free-of-charge Stata 16 licenses for all my "gravity for autism" courses! I have found Stata cheat sheets very useful for teaching my gravity course.
Thanks to my colleagues and friends Drs. Robert Koopman, Roberta
Piermartini, and Robert Teh at the World Trade Organization for
giving me the opportunity to write the "Advanced
Guide for Trade Policy Analysis with Gravity", and to
teach gravity to many policy makers from developing countries.
I am grateful to colleagues and friends Dr. Bill Powers and Serge Shikher at the United States International Trade Commission for allowing me to contribute to th development of the ITC's "Gravity Portal", a one-stop software for gravity data, estimations, and general equilibrium analysis.
I thank Lee Malone, an extremely talented young photographer,
who created my “gravity for autism” logo and also Alex’s
pictures with the flags of the countries where I presented.
Thanks, Lee, for your great work and big heart! Check out Lee’s
amazing work at http://leemalone.co.uk.
I also thank my good friend Stefan Georgiev for his constant support with and ideas for my web site. Thanks Stefko, for being the great guy that you are, for your professionalism, kind soul, and for always being ready to help! Check out Stefko’s great work at https://www.stefig.com.
I was honored to be selected on the Fulbright Specialist Roster
in 2019, and in 2020 a project to teach “gravity for autism” in
Bulgaria was approved by the U.S. Sate Department. Cannot wait
for travel to resume, so I can give back to my alma mater, the
"D.A. Tzenov" Academy of Economics, Svishtov.
I am very grateful to the Drexel University’s Office for Global Engagement for supporting my gravity for autism initiative with an International Experience Funding Award, which allowed me to deliver some of my “gravity for autism” presentations.