Richard H. Thaler is an American economist known for his pioneering work in the field of behavioral economics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2017 for his contributions to understanding how psychological factors influence economic decision-making. Thaler's research has helped bridge the gap between economics and psychology, demonstrating that people often make irrational choices. Thaler is also recognized for co-authoring the influential book Nudge, which explores how small changes in the way choices are presented can significantly impact people's behavior. His work has influenced public policy and business practices, promoting the idea of designing environments that encourage better decision-making.