Brian Bell appointed as Chief Economic Advisor to the UK Treasury
This appointment is effective from March 9, 2026, and will position Professor Bell as a principal advisor to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding macroeconomic strategies and fiscal policy. Currently serving as the Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee to the government, and a Professor of Economics at King’s Business School, Professor Bell is a prominent labour economist who has a rich background that includes roles at the Bank of England and the International Monetary Fund. His expertise also extends to the private sector, where he has worked in various economic capacities for hedge funds and investment banks in London. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves expressed confidence in Bell’s leadership, emphasizing the groundwork laid by the government through multiple interest rate cuts which have contributed to falling inflation and economic growth exceeding prior forecasts. She remarked, "The appointment of Professor Brian Bell will strengthen our economic leadership as we deliver for working people." James Bowler, the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, welcomed Bell, recognizing his extensive experience as crucial for advancing the government's economic agenda. Commenting on his new role, Professor Bell stated, "This is a pivotal moment for the UK economy, and I look forward to providing rigorous economic advice to ensure policy decisions yield real benefits for communities across the UK. " Image Credits: gov.uk (content available under Open Government Licence v3.0)
Professor Brian Bell has been appointed as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Treasury, succeeding Sam Beckett. The appointment was announced by the UK government on Friday.
Public Economics & Economic Policy (JEL H)
Why should you consider CERGE-EI for your graduate degree? Rankings and International Recognition ● CERGE-EI is ranked in the top 5% of economic departments/research institutions worldwide according to Social Science Research Network (SSRN) and Research Papers in Economics (RePEc). ● CERGE-EI operates under Charles University, the oldest university in Central Europe, ranked among the top 200 universities in Economics and Econometrics. ● CERGE-EI has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by both the European Union and the US government. Faculty and Researchers ● CERGE-EI faculty members are outstanding researchers who publish widely across a broad range of fields in theoretical and applied economics. They hold PhDs from many of the worlds’ top graduate programs including Princeton University, the University of Chicago, the London School of Economics, and University College London. ● CERGE-EI faculty members work in governmental advisory boards and contribute to public policy debate. Many participate in the activities of IDEA, a CERGE-EI think-tank focusing on policy-relevant research and recommendations. ● CERGE-EI researchers have been awarded 3 grants by the European Research Council (ERC) - the most prestigious founder of excellent research in Europe. ● CERGE-EI hosts various public lectures, external presentations from IMF, OECD and more. Faculty and researchers serve as discussants at these events. Individual Approach ● Thanks to the small size of the institution, students are able to discuss their research interests and ideas in depth with faculty members. ● The Academic Skills Centre helps students develop their professional written and oral communication skills, and formulate the results of their economic research projects in the form of high-quality MA Thesis and high-impact presentations to specialized researchers and to the public. ● The Study Affairs Team provides students with complete personalized support, ranging from admissions support, visa and accommodation assistance, to adapting to life in Prague. Career Prospects CERGE-EI graduates are employed in 40+ countries worldwide. They hold high-level positions in international organizations, including World Bank, IMF, EBRD, OECD, government ministries and central banks, think-tanks, and private sector organizations, including major banks and consulting firms. Others pursue academic careers in prestigious university departments around the world. Unique Location CERGE-EI is located in the center of Prague, a 5-minute walk from Wenceslas Square, and offers a beautiful study environment in the historical Schebek Palace with excellent facilities (Jan Kmenta Library, Digital Media Center, modert study areas) Admissions 2nd Intake — applications open on 7 April 2026 and close on 7 August 2026. Entry requirements: ● Completed BA degree or equivalent ● Proficiency in spoken and written English ● Quantitative skills are an advantage ● Previous coursework in economics recommended Online Application must include: ● Curriculum vitae ● Statement of motivation ● Copies of BA/MA diplomas and complete transcripts ● Proof of English proficiency level ● Contact details for 2-3 referees (Optional) The Admissions Committee evaluates whether the applicant's background, qualifications, and professional interests sufficiently meet the requirements of the program and are in accordance with CERGE-EI’s applied-research focus. Applicants are notified of the admission decision within 2 weeks after the application deadline. The academic year starts at the beginning of October. Events for Applicants CERGE-EI organizes various events for applicants (Open Day, Webinars, Coffee Breaks with Alumni, etc.). You can find the current offer in the calendar on our website.
The Master in Economic Research is a 2-year full-time program that combines courses in economics, data science, and public policy. The curriculum provides students with useful and readily applicable knowledge of how the economy works, equipping them with both hard skills (e.g., Python and R coding) and soft skills (e.g., professional writing and presentation). The aim of this program is to prepare students for careers in analytical teams at government organizations, as data scientists in NGOs, and in consulting firms. Graduates receive a Czech degree fully accredited by Charles University.
Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics (JEL E)
Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
We are able to award a number of competitive scholarships that cover some or all of the tuition fees.
Bruce Preston appointed to Reserve Bank of Australia's Monetary Policy Board
The appointment was announced in press releases by the Australian Treasury, and by the RBA. The story also broke on ABC, the Australian national broadcaster. Professor Preston, a distinguished macroeconomist, will bring valuable expertise to the board. Preston studied at Princeton University in the US, gaining his MSc and PhD, after which he cut his teeth as an academic, working as an assistant professor and then associate professor of economics at Columbia University in New York. He then moved back to Australia in 2012, where he took on a full-professor position at Monash University. Preston is currently serving as a Professor of Economics at the University of New South Wales. His impressive background also includes recent roles as an advisor at the RBA and at the Treasury. Fellow Australian economist, Justin Wolfers, shared the news across his Twitter/X, BlueSky and Threads accounts, generating significant coverage and praise from economists on social media. Wolfers praised the appointment, writing: "Hard to think of a better appointment to the RBA board than my old mate, Bruce Preston. By any measure he's Australia's leading monetary economist. Good news for the Bank, for Australia, and for economics. (Many moons ago we were baby economists together at the RBA.)" Preston's term at the RBA is set to commence on March 1, 2026, lasting for five years. The Government has taken steps to reinforce the strength and leadership of key economic and financial institutions, especially during these uncertain times. This selection process was comprehensive and included consultations with the Opposition. A panel made up of the Treasury Secretary, the Reserve Bank Governor, and Martin Parkinson, a former Secretary to the Treasury and Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, was responsible for the appointment. They used a skills matrix to ensure a diverse range of expertise within the board. The Government also expressed gratitude to the outgoing member, Mrs. Alison Watkins AM, for her contributions to the board and for her commitment during her tenure. Learn more about Bruce Preston on his personal website. Credits: rba.gov.au (RBA Boardroom Interior)
Professor Bruce Preston has been appointed as a part-time member of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Monetary Policy Board by the Australian Government, effective March 1, 2026.
Macroeconomic Policy in a Heterogeneous and Imperfectly Rational World - 6th Joint NBP-LB-CEBRA Biennial Conference
We invite submissions of theoretical and empirical papers addressing current issues in monetary economics and fiscal policy. The conference aims to bring together central bank researchers, academics, and policymakers to exchange ideas and present research that contributes to a deeper understanding of macroeconomic policy design and coordination in today’s fragile global environment. The conference will cover a broad range of topics related to monetary and fiscal policy, and we particularly welcome papers that explore the interactions between macroeconomic forces, structural change, and policy design. Possible areas of interest include, but are not limited to: · Interactions between inflation, monetary policy, and fiscal policy · Sovereign debt, fiscal sustainability, and the credibility of policy frameworks · Inflation dynamics in the presence of production networks and firm heterogeneity · Distributional effects of monetary and fiscal policy over the business cycle · Implications of bounded rationality for monetary and fiscal policy · Inflation and monetary policy in tight and slack labor markets · The effects of demographic change and technological progress on labor markets and inflation · Global supply shocks, geopolitical fragmentation, and their implications for inflation and policy coordination Keynote speakers: Martin Eichenbaum (Northwestern University) Clare Lombardelli (Bank of England) Morten Ravn (University College London) Important dates: Submission deadline: 15 April 2026 (6 p.m. GMT) Notification of acceptance: 15 May 2026 Registration opens: 15 May 2026 Registration deadline: 1 June 2026 Funding: Accommodation expenses will be covered only for participants included in the conference programme. Financial support will be provided in accordance with the NBP travel expense guidelines. How to apply: Authors are invited to submit their papers in pdf format to: research_conference@nbp.pl
In a period marked by heightened economic uncertainty, demographic transitions, and evolving inflation dynamics, the interaction between monetary and fiscal policy has once again moved to the forefront of economic debate. To foster discussion and encourage the exchange of new insights on these challenges, Narodowy Bank Polski (NBP), the Bank of Lithuania, and the Central Bank Research Association (CEBRA) are jointly organizing the Sixth Biennial Conference “Macroeconomic Policy in a Heterogeneous and Imperfectly Rational World”. Call for Papers
On January 9, we will hold our second annual online presentation. A panel of faculty members and students will present our academic offer and answer participants' questions. This is event is a great opportunity to gain an overview of the institution and to hear about students’ experiences. Our students enjoy a stimulating academic environment with accessible and supportive faculty. The program comprises two stages: stage one, coursework; and stage two, research. The coursework stage provides students with state of the art tools to successfully conduct research in an ample range of areas in Economics. The research stage fosters an international academic environment in which students grow to develop an independent and productive career. The typical duration of studies is five to six years. Students who successfully complete the two stages are awarded the degrees Master in Economics and Finance and PhD in Economics and Government. These official degrees are awarded by the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo. The quality of our Graduate Program has been recognized with the recent award of the María de Maeztu Excellence Distinction. This highly selective distinction is awarded by Spain’s National Research Agency to “fund and accredit public research centers and units in any scientific area that demonstrate international scientific impact and leadership”. Visit our website for more information. Official degrees: Students who successfully complete the two stages of the program will be awarded the official degrees of: Master in Economics and Finance (after successfully completing the first two years) official degree, Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo ,120 ECTS PhD in Economics and Government (after successfully defending the PhD dissertation), Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo Length of Studies: 5 years Dedication: Full-time Language: English Approximate class size: 10-12 students Funding: Academic-based scholarships and tuition waivers regardless of nationality Other Funding: Students enrolled in the program can also apply for research funds, financial support for conference participation, and financial support for academic visits Application Deadline: 11 November 2025– 31 May 2026 (or when the program reaches capacity, whichever occurs first) Funding Deadline: 31 January 2026 For detailed information about the CEMFI PhD Program as well as specific information about the application process, please visit our website.
The CEMFI PhD Program prepares students for successful careers as research economics in universities and academic centers as well as in central banks and public and private sector institutions. Our graduates have demonstrated to have the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake a successful career. They have published their work in some of the most prestigious and influential journals in Economics, including the American Economic Review, Econometrica and the Review of Economic Studies, and have found jobs in leading academic and professional institutions. Recent placements include MIT Sloan, London School of Economics, University of Southern California, Bank of Italy, and Bank of Spain.
Economic Development, Innovation and Growth (JEL O)
Urban, Rural and Transportation Economics (JEL R)
Agricultural and Environmental Economics (JEL Q)
The CEMFI Graduate Program offers scholarships and tuition waivers on an academic-merit basis to students of all nationalities
3rd biennial “Africa in the Global Economy“ conference
Africa’s role in the global economy is being reshaped by regional ambitions and external pressures. While the AfCFTA has generated momentum, intra-African trade remains fragile, exposing gaps in in-frastructure and readiness. Meanwhile, external powers continue to influence Africa’s trajectory. The expiry of AGOA preferences and the introduction of reciprocal tariffs under recent U.S. policy have lim-ited trade options and affected industrial production. China’s duty-free access offer and infrastructure investments gain appeal, while the EU conditions preferential access on sustainability and political re-quirements. These dynamics intersect with intensified global competition for Africa’s critical raw material, raising questions about their potential economic and political impacts. Topics of interest include international trade, finance, and development, but contributions exploring other areas with clear links to Africa’s regional or global economic integration are also welcome. Early-career researchers and contributors from the Global South are strongly encouraged to submit. The conference will take place in person, beginning on Wednesday, 2 December in the afternoon and ending in the early afternoon of Friday, 4 December. Submission Authors should submit extended abstracts (up to 500 words) outlining the contribution to the literature, methodology, and main results. Submissions are accepted exclusively via the conference submission form: https://www.teilnehmermanagement.idos-research.de/africa-in-the-global-economy-/ For questions, contact socioeconomic@idos-research.de with “AfrEcon 2026” in the subject line. Keynote speaker Antoine Bouët (CEPII) Conference deadlines 30 April 2026 – Deadline for abstract submission June 2026 – Acceptance/rejection notification 1 September 2026 – Deadline for final registration 2 - 4 December 2026 – Conference Location German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) Tulpenfeld 6 53113 Bonn Germany Conference Partners German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana, the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town, the Research Network Sustainable Global Supply Chains, and The World Bank.
This conference will take place 2 - 4 December 2026 in Bonn. It provides a forum to discuss the implications of Africa’s evolving regional and global economic relationships, with a focus on policy-relevant empirical research related to international trade, finance, and development.
German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)
Postdoctoral Researcher in Financial Intermediation or Household Finance (m/f/d)
The Leibniz Institute SAFE is seeking to fill the position of a Postdoctoral Researcher in Financial Intermediation or Household Finance (m/f/d) (full-time, salary group: E 13 TV-H) Your profile: Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Finance or in Economics or a closely related area with a Finance focus by the time of appointment or shortly thereafter. We expect a research interest either in Financial Intermediation or in Household Finance. We welcome applications from candidates who maintain active scholarship in the respective field, show a strong research potential, and the commitment to contribute to the activities of the Institute. We offer: The infrastructure of a modern research institute with excellent contacts to the scientific and financial community. You will be working in a very attractive working environment in the House of Finance at Goethe University and with an enthusiastic team of colleagues. Compensation will be 100% of a full-time position in accordance with the standards of the public services wage agreement of the State of Hesse (TV-H E 13). The position is limited to two years with the option of a one-year extension. There is no teaching load assigned to this position, but involvement in the teaching of Goethe University Frankfurt’s bachelor, master, and/or Ph.D. programs is possible. SAFE seeks to increase the share of women in research and thus strongly encourages female scholars to apply. We are also committed to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities and therefore invites them in particular to apply. Interested? We look forward to receiving your online application! Apply now until 8 March 2026 via our career portal >> Career | Leibniz Institute SAFE (safe-frankfurt.de) Please upload your evaluation package as a single PDF document (maximum 6 MB). Reference letters can be handed in via econjobmarket.org or applications@safe-frankfurt.de. Questions? Should you have any questions please contact Prof. Dr. Christine Laudenbach, laudenbach@safe-frankfurt.de
The Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE – Sustainable Architecture for Finance in Europe – based in Frankfurt am Main promotes research and independent policy advice on all aspects dealing with the structure and functioning of the financial system. It is committed to contributing to the strengthening of a sustainable and resilient financial architecture that promotes innovation and serves the needs of the economy and society. Researchers from the fields of economics, law, and political science collaborate at SAFE.
Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE
Postdoc: Impact Evaluation in Developing Countries (Development Economics)
Your tasks would include - Conducting (quasi-)experimental impact evaluation studies in developing countries - Research in applied econometrics, statistics, or survey methodology - Teaching in applied econometrics, statistics, or survey methodology - Preparing grants and grant applications, proposal writing The ideal candidate has a PhD, or will soon defend his PhD in economics, econometrics, empirical social sciences, data science, statistics, or survey methodology. Profound quantitative skills (econometrics, statistics, survey design) are required, as well as comprehensive reporting skills (quantitative analysis of data sets and report writing). Prior field experience as well as willingness to supervise large-scale household surveys in Africa, Asia and Latin America are essential. Skills in large-data analysis, qualitative analyses and good organizational abilities are acknowledged. A good command of STATA or R is required, knowledge of Python would be an asset. You will work within a supportive team of experienced researchers. The position offers a good opportunity to deepen your expertise in applied econometrics, impact evaluations and survey methodology. Applicants may wish to include a CV and a brief outline of their motivation, and a copy of a recent and relevant paper or report. You may send your application to Professor Dr Markus Frölich at froelich@uni-mannheim.de. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
The Chair of Econometrics at the University of Mannheim, Germany, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to enlarge its team in Impact Evaluations in Developing Countries. With a strong focus on quantitative impact evaluations in developing countries we analyse and evaluate programmes and policies in Africa and Asia in the areas of poverty reduction, microfinance, health, education, employment, nutrition, agriculture, climate, humanitarian assistance etc. Our vision is to help the poor in Africa, Asia, and Latin America through evidence-generation via Impact Evaluations about which policies, programmes and interventions are effective and how their effectiveness could be improved.
The Teaching & Learning Centre (TLC) at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) warmly invites proposals for the Andragogy for Impact (AnfI) 2026, to be held from 3 to 5 November 2026 at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore. Centred on the theme “Adult Learning: Reimagining, Reinventing, Transforming”, the conference invites educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to reflect on how adult learning must evolve in response to changing learner identities, workforce demands, and societal transformation. Guided by the tagline “From tradition to transformation: a new vision for adult learning”, AnfI 2026 seeks to re-envision adult learning from foundational principles to delivery approaches and long-term impact. We welcome proposals aligned to one of the three conference strands: Reimagining the Foundations of Adult Learning Reinventing the Delivery of Adult Teaching and Learning Transforming the Outputs and Impact of Adult Learning Submissions may take the form of paper or poster presentations, roundtables, or talking circles. Proposals may draw on research (theoretical, conceptual, or empirical), integrative reviews, research in progress, best practices, or emerging innovations that shape the future of adult learning. Key Dates: Call for proposals opens: 15 February 2026 Submission deadline: 31 May 2026 Pre-conference workshops: 3 November 2026 Main conference: 4–5 November 2026
Andragogy for Impact (AnfI) 2026 is a biennial international conference series dedicated to reimagining adult learning as a catalyst for transformation across individuals, work, and societies. It connects educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to co-create new models of learning that are ethical, inclusive, and future-ready.
Summer School on Bayesian Methods for Experimental Economics
Applications for the two events are open! (deadline Feb 20) Summer School: <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsummerschoolbmee.netlify.app%2F&data=05%7C02%7COumaima.DALI%40um6p.ma%7C418b3664cb4d4fdbd46508de63fa422b%7C39626157a047468987a26fa645cb5cb7%7C1%7C0%7C639058123662241403%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UIbEsrPzlVFrWPHtdT4tqvixNyOo48VRSTIC90tYQVU%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">https://summerschoolbmee.netlify.app/ ESA Africa : <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fairess.fgses-um6p.ma%2FESA-Africa2026&data=05%7C02%7COumaima.DALI%40um6p.ma%7C418b3664cb4d4fdbd46508de63fa422b%7C39626157a047468987a26fa645cb5cb7%7C1%7C0%7C639058123662269984%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vKI11oX5felKrG2sQe2QxoHRcASQ70V9%2BvYh1L2XkNA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">https://airess.fgses-um6p.ma/ESA-Africa2026 The four-day summer school focuses on Bayesian methods in experimental economics—decision models, heterogeneity, structural estimation, RCT analysis, and meta-analysis. Hosted on UM6P’s lovely campus with great amenities (pool, courts, gym): a perfect setting to learn and connect. Confirmed teachers include: Thomas Epper, CNRS, on structural estimations Taisuke Imai, University of Osaka, on meta analyses Fabio Maccheroni, University of Bocconi, on decision science Rafe Meager, University of New South Wales, on Bayesian RCT The summer school is sponsored by ESA and organized in partnership with the Paris School of Economics, and discounted fees apply for students participating in both the UM6P and PSE summer schools. <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parisschoolofeconomics.eu%2Fen%2Fsummer-school%2Fexperimental-economics%2F&data=05%7C02%7COumaima.DALI%40um6p.ma%7C418b3664cb4d4fdbd46508de63fa422b%7C39626157a047468987a26fa645cb5cb7%7C1%7C0%7C639058123662288797%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=j4DyPAkcoyMLykSS0WuOZ6rxFf5nnB7l6rh2gcRrOUE%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.parisschoolofeconomics.eu/en/summer-school/experimental-economics/ If you think these summer schools could be relevant to students or colleagues in your network, please feel free to share this announcement. We will be delighted to welcome you on the beautiful campus of UM6P Rabat in June!
The summer school “Bayesian Methods for Experimental Economics” will be held at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Rabat, on June 18–21, 2026, immediately following ESA Africa (June 15–17) at the same venue.
Master Data and Economics for Public Policy - Ecole polytechnique/ENSAE Paris/Télécom Paris
Learn more on the program website What is the program about? Academic prerequisites Career prospects Course content Application website Discover the program on YouTube Words from our program directors Pierre Boyer Franck Malherbet
The program enables graduates to leverage data science and economic analysis to design, develop, and implement impactful public policies. It stands out among France's prestigious engineering schools, renowned for training top-tier policy leaders for over two centuries. Supported by leading institutional partners, it offers numerous scholarships, rewarding both merit and financial need. Students benefit from a rich blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a solid grounding in social sciences. Over two years, they refine their quantitative and analytical abilities while gaining a deep understanding of the complexities of the policy landscape. In today’s world, marked by challenges in economic development, labor, poverty, social equity, education, health, and the environment, this program equips students with the tools to craft evidence-based solutions. With a focus on quantitative methods, it prepares them to frame, analyze, and address critical public policy issues, driving meaningful reform and improvement.
Professor Kevin O’Rourke Receives Alice Murray Award for Economic History
Professor O’Rourke will receive the award on February 19, 2026. Following the presentation, he will hold a lecture titled 'From most-favoured-nation to reciprocal tariffs: what is unsurprising about Trump’s tariffs, what is surprising, and why it matters'. The lecture will take place at 17:00 in the Neill Lecture Theatre at Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity College Dublin. In anticipation of his lecture, Professor O’Rourke emphasized the importance of historical context in understanding current U.S. tariff policies, noting the shift from non-discriminatory trade practices that the United States has traditionally endorsed. The Alice Murray Distinguished Scholar award is named after Dr. Alice Effie Murray (1877-1951). She was the first woman to earn a degree from the London School of Economics (LSE), and dedicated her career to studying the commercial and financial relations between England and Ireland. The award commemorates her legacy within the field of economic history. On receiving the award, Prof. O'Rourke said of Alice Murray: "I am particularly pleased to be giving a talk in her honour since she was among other things a historian of trade and trade policy, and so throughout my career I have been following in her footsteps." With a distinguished career at the intersection of economic history and international economics, Professor O’Rourke’s work has shaped modern understandings of globalization and trade policy. His previous academic affiliations include positions at All Souls College, Oxford, and Harvard University, among others. CEPH co-directors praised O’Rourke's influential work, highlighting his rigorous research and engagement with contemporary economic issues. This award not only acknowledges his achievements but also embodies the spirit of inquiry that Dr. Murray fostered in her own academic pursuits. For more information and registration details for the lecture, visit this link. Image Credits: tcd.ie
Professor Kevin O’Rourke, from Sciences Po Paris and CNRS, has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious Alice Murray Distinguished Scholar Award. This award, presented by the Centre for Economics, Policy and History (CEPH) at Trinity College Dublin, recognizes an economic historian whose work significantly contributes to the discipline.
What Studying Business Taught Me About Economics
Before diving deeper, let me state clearly: I don’t believe this is the best strategy that an aspiring economist could take for their studies. If you love economics, it’s much more efficient to simply study economics. Still, my undergraduate degree — and my subsequent experiences working in industry — have given me some valuable perspective about business and economic theory. In particular, this article shares some largely intangible factors that I think about often when reading (relevant) economics research papers, or thinking about my own future research. I hope that it offers food for thought to current business students who may be thinking about a switch to economics within their current program or for a postgraduate degree. Without further ado, let’s dive in! The economically ideal firm: a rarity in reality When firms are discussed in economic theory, they’re usually depicted as lean, efficient, profit-maximizing entities that adjust rapidly to market conditions. In a similar vein as the ever-present rational economic man, this is good enough for the purposes of learning, and it greatly simplifies the math that economists must perform (without losing important nuance). Still, from my time in both studying businesses and working in them, I’ve learned and experienced many things that show this isn’t always the case. In fact, I think it’s almost never the case that a firm lives up to the economic ideal of a profit-maximizing machine (a hot take for the Neoclassicals in the room, but perhaps not surprising for the rest of you!). There are many reasons for this, some of which surprised me when I started working for the first time. Soft skills are hard to measure, but intensely important in the real world In the world of business, it’s no secret that soft skills are important. Soft skills include the ability to interact well with other coworkers, and importantly to present oneself and one’s work as useful and impressive. An employee who does great work but isn’t very good at making it known, or presenting it well, will appear to be a less effective employee than one with excellent public speaking and self-promotion skills. And employees who are fairly social, work well with others in teams, and handle their own emotions and conflicts professionally will be much more effective than those who do not. Many of the following points in this article deal with soft skills in some capacity, and as such we’ll move on to those points more specifically. But before getting into the nitty-gritty of the firm itself, it’s worth pointing out that one of the most critically important soft skills can begin before a job even starts: networking. Business has reinforced how network effects are powerful and must be accounted for In my experience — and likely very many other people’s — networking is the single most effective way to find a job. I’ve managed to land several jobs through cold applications, but (in most cases) only after sending hundreds of resumes out to potential employers, the majority of which received no response. For many, networking seems to be the only ray of hope in a sea of automatically rejected applications. But make no mistake: firms aren’t solely at fault for a difficult job market. Firms usually receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for a single position, a large amount of which may be clearly unqualified. This forces hiring managers to streamline the process of going through applications as much as possible. So, when a current employee recommends an applicant, a hiring manager knows that person is likely to be a quality candidate (as long as the employee is in good standing!) and their application immediately stands apart from the pile. Networking has several further benefits for both prospective employees and prospective employers. For instance, if a current employee recommends an applicant, it suggests that that prospective employee would likely be a good fit for the firm’s culture as well, which is very difficult to determine beforehand if an applicant is a total stranger. This grants that recommended applicant another advantage over the rest. Within economics, we have a well-researched concept called “network effects”, which reflect just these kinds of forces — and more. In labor economics, network effects might refer to broader situations, such as immigrant communities helping other immigrants move to and survive in a far-off land (think of, for example, the colonization of the Americas — network effects among European settlers in the first successful colonies made it easier for future settlers to arrive and survive). Generally, network effects lower the transaction cost for individuals and/or firms to find a suitable match in the labor market. My experiences in the labor market — not to mention casual discussions with a professor of economic history — have specifically emphasized to me how important these network effects can be! Networking doesn’t merely end once someone is hired, however. Relationships within a firm are often critical indicators of an employee’s long-term success, as well — and this gets to the heart of those critically important, intangible factors present in the business world. Incentives within firms are often messy and far from the economic ideal We must recognize that firms are made up of individuals. This simple statement has a large consequence, because individuals face their own set of incentives — and these are almost never perfectly aligned with the firm’s. Still, even though many firms can end up becoming a messy tangle of incentives, these incentive issues are (admittedly) usually insignificant. Employees must perform well enough to retain their paycheck, after all. Nevertheless, occasionally firm-employee incentive misalignment can lead to costly consequences. It’s easy to find stories in the news about employees who, after being fired, cost the firm large amounts of money — especially in tech (see for example this Infosecurity article). Often these acts of revenge are illegal, and former employees are prosecuted, but this does not reverse the damage the firm suffers. Still, this type of incident isn’t limited to ex-employees. Consider an employee working for a firm who questions their job security. In such a case, they’d be heavily incentivized to make themselves irreplaceable by any means possible, or simply to aggrandize themselves to make it appear that they were irreplaceable. Again using a tech example, one way an employee can do this is by writing critical code in an unintuitive manner and without using comments (or providing other documentation) to help other developers read it. This artificially and inefficiently increases the cost for a firm to fire this specific employee, and thus artificially increases the employee’s job security at the cost of the firm’s performance. In extreme cases, employees may even be incentivized to sabotage initiatives of the firm in order to maintain their own importance in the firm’s hierarchy. Inflated CEO/executive pay is another example of misaligned incentives. An individual CEO is heavily incentivized to give themselves as much credit for the firm’s success as possible, and to capture as much of the firm’s profit as they can for themselves (usually in the form of bonuses). This can be mitigated by a firm’s board of directors, who are typically the “boss” of the CEO in a public company, but if the board and the CEO are friendly this check may fail. Rather than pay the CEO millions of dollars in bonuses each year, it’s likely in the best interest of the company to keep most of that money and reinvest it into the firm’s activities, or even spread it among employees to increase morale or loyalty. There are many, many more examples of incentive issues that could be discussed here. But the existence of these point to another aspect of human behavior that influences business performance: interpersonal relationships. Managers and office politics greatly influence productivity Humans are primates with varied and intricate social dynamics. This can be wonderful…but it also creates a lot of problems for firms. Office politics are rarely discussed in economics courses (and seldom discussed in business courses, either!), yet they are an omnipresent force that shapes a workplace immensely. Work that would otherwise be a dream job for someone may end up being a nightmare purely because of interpersonal relationships; conversely, a job that someone strongly dislikes might be tolerable thanks to the presence of great coworkers, managers and leadership. When I first began working, I was shocked at how important “office politics” were. I had thought that simply doing great work would get me noticed. I also expected that managers would be good at seeing through the “surface level” of performance and identifying when employees were doing value-added work, when they were simply looking busy, and when a doomed project made an employee look less productive than they actually were (or vice versa). Yet, this was not the case in my (admittedly subjective!) experience. Often, employees who stayed later in the office were seen as more productive compared to employees who routinely left at 5PM on the dot. Yet, simple logic would suggest that this is precisely the opposite! If someone must continually stay late to finish their work, it’s likely that they’re less efficient than other coworkers who leave “on time”, all else equal. Of course, it’s possible that some employees simply have more work to do than others — but staffing is the manager’s job, and thus they should be aware of relative workloads and balance them accordingly. In several roles, I witnessed that being favored by managers meant that employees’ work was valued and lauded almost without fail. Meanwhile, some disfavored but very hard-working employees went unrecognized. Related to this, managers in multiple roles I held frequently seemed unable to disentangle the performance of employees from the performance of the specific projects they were tasked with. While it’s true that an employee can make or break a project, it’s also true that some products or projects are simply doomed to failure, while others are “slam-dunks” (a simple proof of this: the failure of Google Glass, which despite parent company Alphabet’s best efforts, simply did not have a viable market. Even the best marketing team in the world likely could not have made it work). In summary, office politics and evaluations of employees can be closely tied with how managers perceive the work that employees do, rather than the actual quality of the work done. These forces culminated in a founding member of one of my former work departments quitting over unfair treatment, and quickly getting snapped up by a competing firm. It also led to a new employee being promoted twice in the span of 6 months, putting them in a more senior role than other employees with more tenure than them — simply because the project they were on was overperforming (in my opinion, largely due to the sales efforts of that new employee’s very experienced manager). Both situations worsened morale significantly for other employees. These are admittedly subjective experiences, yet most people who have worked before can likely relate to them. And, people who haven’t worked much before probably have friends or family who have griped about similar situations. Outside of managerial “politics”, there are many interpersonal relationships that form the work environment which can influence productivity. Some people may not like each other, and therefore may not be effective teammates. Conversely, some people might get along too well, and might experience reductions in productivity because they’re having fun discussing non-work-related items for long periods of time. Sometimes employees even date each other, and later may break up, which can obviously introduce a significant tension into a team. These inefficiencies can be mitigated by firms in various ways, but are still issues that can take time and resources to deal with. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to have good information about the true state of interpersonal relationships, for both managers and employees. Of course, these inefficiencies and internal politics in general are very, very difficult to measure empirically and study. Employees often have imperfect information about their own firm The consulting industry is massive, and it’s dominated by the “Big 4”: EY, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG. These acronym-loving firms offer management consulting services, in which client companies hire them to do a deep dive into specific business problem and pose possible solutions. Statista shows that the worldwide market size for management consulting services was over $1 trillion in 2023. The fact that this market exists — nevermind that it is so large— shows that firms do not have perfect information. The reason why is simple: if firms had perfect information, they wouldn’t need to hire management consultants! What’s more, employees — including managers and executives — often have relatively little information about their own firm and its activities. It’s difficult to know what all of your immediate coworkers are doing, nevermind what every other area of the firm is responsible for. In larger firms, employees may be routinely surprised by developments made by other parts of the firm. Some departments may even have goals that are opposed to or incongruent with one another! From an efficiency standpoint, this may not be as big of an issue as it seems; after all, the job of executives is to guide and direct the firm, and it’s expected that they would have better-than-average insight into the firm’s activities. If a department was underperforming or misaligned, they could shrink, cut, or adapt it. Still, it’s easy to see how the economic ideal of a single profit-maximizing entity might not be realistic due to these factors. Many economic models have adapted to include situations of imperfect information, as it’s a major factor that economists have recognized for a long time. In fact, models continue to evolve — and if economists deem it relevant and helpful, I expect that many of the topics discussed in this article will continue to be incorporated into research and increasingly intricate and realistic economic models. Economic models tend to be simplified, but that’s often enough Despite sometimes having unrealistic assumptions, our general economic theories still work very well most of the time. We’ve previously discussed on the INOMICS blog that economic models, especially when considering their intended purpose, usually do not need extremely realistic assumptions. That argument need not be repeated here. Still, most of the topics discussed in this article are ripe for future research, and some economic models may benefit from a more comprehensive integration of several of these concepts. Just as labor economists have modeled the frictions in the labor market before, models that take into account the internal frictions of incentives and relationships — and research that aims to estimate how much they cost — will continue to deepen our understanding, and perhaps even help to influence policy. Behavioral economics, labor economics, firm theory, and game theory are all areas that have touched upon some of these important intangible factors before, and increasingly in recent years. For examples, see this 2023 paper about misaligned incentives between contractors and utility companies; another 2023 paper that details how misaligned incentives can possibly benefit leaders; and yet another 2023 paper discussing how organizational politics affects employees’ engagement. Yet, these areas remain ripe for future exploration. I suspect that many of the brilliant economists of tomorrow will find ways to deepen our understanding of these areas with their research. Perhaps, if you find a suitable Master’s or PhD in economics, you might even be one of them! Image Credits: AI Generated Image using Canva AI (Prompts: Abstract Image Business Economics)
When I was an undergraduate student and took my first economics class, I was hooked. But, rather than major in economics, I chose to major in business. That’s because I wanted to understand how the economy worked at its “smallest” unit, which I surmised was the individual business. Economics can of course study individuals and their decision-making too, but at least on the supply side, I thought that a single business could be considered the smallest unit of the economy. Economic theory can tell us how firms behave in a perfectly theoretical world…but how do they actually function? This was a question that captured my attention, and I decided to major in business (with a concentration in management consulting) to understand the working world as much as I could.
Assistant, Associate or Full Professor at Chung-Ang University
Position: Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor (Tenure-Track) Field of Specialization: Open (All Fields) Description: The School of Economics at Chung-Ang University invites applications for multiple tenure-track faculty positions at all ranks, beginning September 2026. We welcome candidates from all fields of economics who are committed to excellence in research and teaching. Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate high-quality research and strong potential for future scholarly impact. Candidates are required to have at least one publication in an SSCI-indexed journal and maintain an ambitious research agenda. Knowledge of the Korean language is not required. Application Process: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue through February. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the university’s formal hiring process, subject to final administrative approval. About the Institution: Chung-Ang University is a leading private research university located in Seoul, South Korea. The School of Economics is a comprehensive department granting B.A., Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. For additional information, please visit our website at https://econ.cau.ac.kr/en/. Application Requirements: Letters of Reference Job Market Paper Cover Letter CV Application deadline: 31-08-2026
The School of Economics at Chung-Ang University is inviting applications for multiple tenure-track faculty positions at all ranks, beginning September 2026.
PhD student position in Data Science – KU Leuven
Project The PhD candidate will work on the development of advanced statistical and machine learning methods for time series prediction, with applications mainly in the field of traffic safety. In particular, the candidate will investigate and further develop statistical and machine learning methods for modelling and forecasting traffic safety outcomes, and contribute to data collection initiatives in function of advanced data analysis in the broad field of road safety research (with focus on, among others, regions, road types, road user categories and their interactions, assessment of road safety interventions and risk contributing factors…). Specific cases will be selected during the PhD. Results of the research will be communicated in top-level publications, and through presentations at international conferences and, where applicable, for relevant policy makers. Although the focus is on research, the candidate can be asked to give guidance to Bachelor’s and Master’s students, to be involved in teaching and to supervise and correct exams. Profile • You recently obtained your master’s degree (or you are about to graduate in 2026) in Business Engineering, Business and Information Systems Engineering, Statistics and Data Science, Mathematics, (Business) Economics, or a similar degree with an equivalent academic level. • You have a strong interest in statistics / data science and its applications. • Excellent results in prior studies are a requirement (cum laude – distinction, or higher). • Experience with programming languages (such as R and/or Python) is an asset. • You can conduct independent research (demonstrated, e.g., by an excellent Master’s thesis) as well as collaborate well in teams. • You have excellent command of spoken and written English and are equipped with good communication skills. • You are willing to participate in (international) seminars and conferences. • You are willing to enroll in the PhD program of the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven, which entails 21-ECTS of relevant coursework. • You will also give guidance to students, be involved in teaching activities and in the supervision of exams. Offer • A fulltime PhD position for 1 year, starting 2026, September 15, renewable up to a maximum of four years upon yearly successful evaluations. The work should lead to a PhD degree. • An interesting and diverse job within a dynamic and pleasant working environment, in a group conducting research at the highest international standards. • A social, tolerant, and constructive workplace that offers ample opportunities for personal development. • A correct and beneficial salary. • Numerous opportunities for personal growth, illustrated by e.g., conference participation, “doctoral schools” courses on transferable skills, participation in educational initiatives, and publication opportunities. Applications should be submitted through KU Leuven’s online platform together with: 1) a motivation letter with a statement of skills and research interests; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) university diploma copies and complete transcripts More info on making a PhD at KU Leuven Interested? For more information please contact Prof. dr. Filip Van den Bossche, mail: filip.vandenbossche@kuleuven.be You can apply for this job no later than April 30, 2026 via the online application tool KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address. Sollicitatieprocedure Arbeidsvoorwaarden Loopbaanmogelijkheden Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be
The ORSTAT research group, Faculty of Economics and Business, KU Leuven (Belgium) has a vacancy for a PhD student position in Data Science. We are looking for a full-time PhD student to do research on the use of statistical and machine learning methods for analyzing and forecasting traffic safety outcomes, under the supervision of prof. Filip Van den Bossche and prof. Christophe Croux. Website van de eenheid
Faculty of Economics and Business, KU Leuven
statistical and machine learning methods
Two-year Postdoctoral Research Position in Economics
Eligible candidates must have obtained their Master’s degree no earlier than June 2020. The University of Padua is strongly committed to equal opportunities and the promotion of diversity. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. Application Procedure Applicants should submit their expression of interest through the EconJobMarket platform by March 31, 2026. Applications should include: • a curriculum vitae; • a job market paper; • two letters of recommendation. Candidates who currently hold a position at another institution may apply without letters of recommendation if they wish to keep their application confidential. Approximate starting date: October 1, 2026 (negotiable) Funding and Compensation The position is supported by the Marco Fanno Fellowship, generously funded by the UniCredit Foundation, which supplements the postdoctoral stipend. The total remuneration amounts to approximately €50,000 gross/year (about €3,500/month after taxes, given favorable fiscal incentives for this position). Research Environment The Department of Economics and Management (dSEA) at the University of Padua is one of Italy’s leading research institutions in Economics and offers a vibrant, international, and highly stimulating research environment. In the most recent national research assessment exercise, dSEA ranked first in economics, business, and statistics among medium-sized universities. Internationally, the Department is ranked 101–150 in Economics by the QS World University Rankings and 201–250 by Times Higher Education. The Department has experienced a strong and consistent upward trajectory in recent years and aims to further consolidate its position by recruiting top talent from the international job market. To learn more about the Department of Economics and Management at the University of Padua, please visit our website: click here. For further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to: scouting.economia@unipd.it.
The Department of Economics and Management at the University of Padua invites expressions of interest from outstanding young scholars for a two-year, research-oriented postdoctoral position in Economics.
Department of Economics and Management, University of Padua
Fully Funded PhD in Economics, Finance and Management
The ideal candidate: must have completed MA degree in Economics, Finance, Management, Business administration, Business informatics or related fields before the beginning of the course; must be well versed in statistics and quantitative research methods and techniques; must demonstrate attention to detail, and combine integrity, creativity, efficiency and a willingness to cooperate with colleagues; must be passionate about empirical research with applications in economics, management, finance, business administration, business informatics, and related disciplines; must possess good communication and presentation skills; he/she must be fluent in English (both written and spoken); Previous (research) experience, although not required, is considered an advantage. If you wish to apply, please check profiles of potential supervisors at our website and submit: Letter of application, including description of areas of expertise, research interests, and experience Complete CV Potential supervisors and topics can be found here. Once your future supervisor agrees, you may officially apply via our online application. A fee for one application at the Faculty of Economics and Administration is 800 CZK. The online application requires you to submit the following documents (in English): Dissertation project (based on the topic you agreed on with your future supervisor) Structured professional CV Letter of motivation Proof of achieved education Application deadlines: 31st March 2026, 23:59 (course start date in September 2026) Dissertation project may be submitted by the 14th of April 2026. In case of any questions regarding the PhD programs in general or the application process, please contact William Richter (phd@econ.muni.cz). You can also find information on our website. We recommend you to read the Terms and Conditions of Admission to the Faculty of Economics and Administration as well. Follow us on Twitter, BlueSky for more opportunities (@veda_econmuni). Funding Notes PhD students receive a Doctoral study income for the standard period of study. In the academic year 2025/2026 the doctoral study income at ECON MUNI was 25,000 CZK (approx. 1034 EUR) This amount will increase in the following years together with the minimum wage. In addition, there is a possibility to apply for travel allowances, to participate in a students' grant competition with a high success rate and to participate in research projects with external funding. We typically arrange for PhD students to spend at least one semester at another university in Europe. There is no tuition fee.
The Faculty of Economics and Administration at the Masaryk University (Brno, Czech Republic) is inviting PhD applicants who would like to complete a PhD in the field of Economics, Finance and Management. Students and recent graduates with a background in economics, management, finance, business administration, business informatics, and related disciplines are invited to apply. Program topics: Empirical Economics: Labour, Health Behavioral and Experimental Economics Macroeconomics Finance Business Management Regional and Transport Economics Public Economics and Administration Environmental Economics
Faculty of Economics and Administration, Masaryk University
Professor Thomas M. Cooney Wins 2026 European Entrepreneurship Education Award
The Sten K. Johnson Centre for Entrepreneurship at Lund University has announced that Professor Thomas M. Cooney of Technological University Dublin, Ireland, has been awarded the prestigious European Entrepreneurship Education Award (EEEA) for 2026. Established to honor individuals and organizations that have made significant strides in entrepreneurship education across Europe, the EEEA provides recipients with a diploma and a monetary prize of 100,000 SEK (around 10,000 EUR / 11,000 USD). This recognition underscores the vital contributions made to the field. Achievements of Professor Cooney Recognized as a leading figure in entrepreneurship education, Cooney's impactful work focuses on empowering marginalized communities as the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Behaviour, Inclusion and Innovation (CEBII). His initiatives have facilitated inclusive economic growth, providing vital business and life skills to underrepresented entrepreneurs. Through collaborative efforts with organizations such as the OECD, the European Commission, and the United Nations, Cooney has implemented effective strategies to foster entrepreneurial engagement in diverse communities. His contributions span various formats, including in-person, online, and e-learning programs, significantly broadening the outreach of entrepreneurial education. Notably, his undergraduate students have successfully raised about €1 million for charities through their projects, reflecting the practical impact of his teaching methods. A Celebration of Entrepreneurship Education The award ceremony for the EEEA 2026 will take place alongside the 3E conference in Bodø, Norway, from May 20–22, 2026. This gathering will bring together around 150-200 educators and researchers focused on entrepreneurship education, creating an ideal platform to celebrate Cooney’s achievements. For more details about the 3E conference, visit 3e2026.org. Image Credits: lusem.lu.se / Thomas M. Cooney
Lund University announces Professor Thomas M. Cooney from Technological University Dublin as recipient of the 2026 European Entrepreneurship Education Award for his contributions to inclusive entrepreneurship education.
Kiel Advanced Studies Program (PhD Program)
Structure Our 5-year program is organized in two main parts. The coursework and orientation period (first 16 months) and the dissertation research period (3,5 years). See below for a detailed overview. The program is organized by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, in cooperation with its partner universities situated in Kiel, Hamburg, Berlin, and Paris. Importantly, the Kiel Institute does not confer doctoral degrees; instead, candidates obtain their doctoral degrees from the university with which their primary supervisor is affiliated. For students enrolled in Kiel University, you will matriculate into the well-established Quantitative Economics graduate track (see details). Kiel University PhD students that pass the Kiel Institute program will automatically qualify for a doctoral degree and no extra courses need to be taken. What distinguishes us? A clear focus on international economics Academic excellence and world-leading external lecturers Policy relevance: we encourage students to do high quality research that matters A small cohort with close supervision and a collegial and supportive atmosphere, striving for at least 50% female students. Generous financial support (5 year funding) and subsidized housing Choose between the Baltic Sea and Berlin How to Apply Requirements A Master's degree in Economics or related fields with very good grades. The degree must be completed by the time of program entry. A strong motivation and ability for research on global economic issues as well as excellent analytical / quantitative skills. Your application documents should contain A motivation letter Curriculum Vitae Academic Transcripts Two academic letters of recommendation GRE scores are strongly recommended Proof of English language proficiency - Applications whose native language is not English and who cannot document at least one year of studies at an English-speaking university should submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Deadlines Application portal opens 1 December, 2026 Application deadline: 15 January 2027 Program start: 1 September, 2027 We will make early offers soon after the first deadline. If open slots remain, there will be additional offers around the second deadline Submitting your application To submit your application please register or login at our Online Application Portal In case of technical issues, please contact advancedstudies@ifw-kiel.de
A new program to address global economic challenges The global economic system is undergoing a fundamental transformation, with rising geopolitical tensions and the transition to a greener global economy. We need novel and improved research to address these significant challenges. The Kiel Institute is dedicated to lead the process as a premier European hub for research in international economics. We are excited to announce the launch of a new doctoral program that aims to become Europe’s leading PhD program in the field of international economics.
Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IFW)
Economist Hanna Hottenrott (ZEW) Appointed to EU Advisory Body
Professor Hanna Hottenrott, head of the ZEW Research Department "Economics of Innovation and Industrial Dynamics", has been appointed to the 2026 Fellowship Programme of the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW). The appointment was announced by the ZEW in a press release. As a Fellow, Hottenrott will collaborate with other experts to advise the Commission on crucial issues such as technological transformation, geopolitical changes, and the development of the European internal market. "I am delighted about this opportunity to contribute our research findings directly to European policymaking processes through the DG GROW fellowship," expressed Hottenrott. She emphasized her eagerness to gain insights into the workings of the European Commission and contribute to enhancing Europe’s innovative capacity. ZEW President Professor Achim Wambach congratulated Hottenrott on her appointment, stating, "The fact that the Commission is drawing on her expertise shows how important scientific evidence has become for a future-oriented industrial and internal market policy." Wambach noted that Hottenrott's contribution would be invaluable in ensuring that the internal market remains competitive. The DG GROW Fellowship Programme is designed to integrate scientific expertise into core EU policy areas, enabling fellows to work closely with the Chief Economist Unit of the Directorate-General. This initiative strengthens the exchange of knowledge between research and policy-making, facilitating timely responses to contemporary economic challenges. Image Credits: Anna Logue / zew.de (free for editorial use)
Professor Hanna Hottenrott from ZEW Mannheim has been selected for the prestigious DG GROW Fellowship Programme, aimed at enhancing EU policy-making with expert insights on innovation and industrial dynamics.