The American Economic Association is a learned society in the field of economics, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. It was established in 1885 in Saratoga, New York. Once composed primarily of college and university teachers of economics, the Association now attracts an increasing number of members from business and professional groups. It publishes one of the most prestigious academic journals in economics: the American Economic Review.
Each year, the AEA recognizes the lifetime research contributions of four economists by electing them Distinguished Fellows. The Association also awards annually the John Bates Clark Medal for outstanding research accomplishments in economics to a scholar; it is often referred to as the "Baby Nobel," as many of its recipients go on to become Nobel Laureates.