Fully funded PhD positions in Economics and Management
About the Department The Department of Economics and Management “Marco Fanno” (dSEA) is a centre of excellence in Applied Economics, Accounting, Economic Theory and Management and is part of one of the world’s oldest higher education institutions: the University of Padua, located in Italy's North-East. Founded in 1989, dSEA has over 2,000 students and 75 faculty members conducting research in Economics or Business fields. In 2023, dSEA was granted the EQUIS Accreditation becoming the first Department of an Italian public university to achieve the prestigious distinction. dSEA has been awarded the “Departments of Excellence” seal nominated by the Italian Ministry of University and Research and is confirmed as one of the 18 Italian departments of economics and statistics to receive funding for the five-year period 2023 – 2027. The Department is ranked among the 200 best Departments globally in Economics and Econometrics according to the QS World University Rankings. dSEA offers a stimulating learning and research environment to students from around the world. Its international PhD programme has a long tradition of quality and success, complementing the department's offer of Bachelor's and Master's degrees. For more information, please click here PhD Programme in Economics and Management The PhD Programme is composed of two distinct curricula: Economics and Management. Both curricula consist of rigorous coursework during the first year, and supervised research on the PhD thesis from the second to the fourth year. The coursework of the first year is specific to each curriculum and divided in three terms. Please visit our website for more details, click here Application Requirements The application deadline for joining us next academic year 2026/2027 is 20 May 2026 at 1.00 PM (CEST). The programme is open to students from all countries who hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Business Science, Statistics, Mathematics or Engineering. Students who are going to graduate until 30 September 2026 may apply as well. Detailed information on the application procedure are available here. To apply candidates are invited to submit: • curriculum vitae • a research proposal • all degree certificates • all official transcripts • proof of English competence (for instance TOEFL, IELTS test scores) • two letters of recommendation • scientific publications (if any) • a short summary of their Master thesis (max 5 pages) • GRE general test is not required but warmly recommended. For any questions, please contact phd.economia@unipd.it
The Department of Economics and Management at the University of Padua is looking for outstanding candidates for its PhD programme in Economics and Management. This year, we offer five four-year scholarships, 3 for the curriculum in Economics and 2 for the curriculum in Management. *** PhD Day 2026 We organized an online presentation of our PhD programme in Economics and Management. During this meeting we discussed admissions, program structure, faculty, courses, activities, and placement opportunities. Watch the video: click here ***
Department of Economics and Management, University of Padua
Objectives With MEcon you gain a clear understanding of key economic and social relationships, as well as the ability to analyse large amounts of data. You deepen your methodological and theoretical knowledge for use in empirical research. You are able to apply this knowledge to solve economic and social problems. In addition to compulsory courses in the core areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, you can select your courses from a wide range of core electives and electives. This gives you the opportunity to create your individual study profile. Optionally, you can choose one of the following specialisation areas: Public Policy Global Economy Business Economics Financial Economics Data Science and AI in Economics Based on the traditional strengths of the HSG, you additionally improve your management and communication skills. The programme prepares you for a wide range of challenging professions, as well as for an academic career. Career prospects MEcon provides the knowledge and skills needed to understand and analyse economic processes and to develop solutions to economic problems. This expertise opens up varied career paths in a wide range of professional fields. MEcon graduates are in demand for responsible positions in the public sector, international organisations, consultancy firms and private industry, as well as in banks and insurance companies. If you are striving for an academic career, the academic education in MEcon also provides an excellent preparation for international Ph.D. programmes.
MEcon offers a comprehensive education in economics based on the core areas of Macro- and Mircoeconomics as well as Econometrics. The Master's degree programme in Economics (MEcon) provides in-depth theoretical and empirical knowledge in order to analyse the social and economic challenges of our time. Data analysis has become a central component of developed economies due to the advance of digitalisation. Hence, over recent years processing and analysing Big Data has become increasingly important. MEcon provides you with the necessary tools to analyse economic policy problems using state-of-the-art methods and to develop successful strategies. You will thus be well prepared for responsible positions when you enter the job market.
Public Economics & Economic Policy (JEL H)
Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics (JEL E)
Economic Development, Innovation and Growth (JEL O)
Different funding options can be applied for, more information: www.studyfunding.unisg.com
Boris Vujčić Appointed Vice-President of the European Central Bank
The European Council has announced the appointment of Vujčić, a prominent Croatian economist and currently the Governor of the Croatian National Bank, for a non-renewable term of eight years, commencing on June 1, 2026. Vujčić succeeds Luis de Guindos in this crucial role. This decision comes after consultation with the European Parliament and the ECB's Governing Council. The Eurogroup endorsed Mr. Vujčić’s candidacy back on January 19, 2026, and the Council formally adopted a recommendation for his appointment shortly thereafter on January 26, 2026. Appointments to the ECB executive board are conducted by the European Council, relying on a qualified majority. The board members are selected based on their recognized standing and professional experience in monetary or banking matters. The ECB executive board, responsible for executing the eurozone's monetary policy as dictated by the Governing Council, comprises the President, Vice-President, and four additional members, one of whom is designated as the Chief Economist. All members are appointed for eight-year terms without the possibility of renewal. The board members collaborate with the governors of the national central banks within the eurozone to manage monetary policy. Vujčić’s background includes significant experience in monetary policy, making him a competent fit for this pivotal position at the ECB during a critical time for the eurozone's economy. He was a leading figure in the planning and implementation of Croatia's own accession to the Euro currency. The appointment is interesting, not least because Croatia only joined the Eurozone in 2023, and has only been a member of the EU since 2013. The appointment sets a tone for new members stepping up to take on more significant positions within the bloc. It is not unprecedented that smaller EU countries are represented on the ECB Board, or even among the three big positions of President, Vice President and Chief Economist. Indeed, currently the Chief Economist position is held by Philip Lane, an Irish economist. However, the major roles at the ECB have generally been held by individuals from the larger EU economies, i.e. Germany, France, Spain and Italy. In contrast, Croatia is one of the smallest economies in the EU - eighth smallest by GDP and fifth smallest by GDP per capita (of the 27 member states using 2024 figures) - and the appointment of Vujčić to the ECB's second most senior position is likely to raise eyebrows. There is certain to be some behind-the-scenes competition in the coming year for the two other senior positions of President, which is currently held by Christine Lagarde (France) and will expire in October 2027, and Chief Economist, which is currently held by Philip Lane (Ireland) and will expire in May 2027. Another board position, currently held by German economist Isabel Schnabel, will expire in December 2027. Thus begins a year-long game of musical chairs at the ECB, and backroom jostling in European Council meetings by the member states. Image Credits: consilium.europa.eu
The European Council has appointed Boris Vujčić as the new Vice-President of the European Central Bank (ECB).
Programs available: Ph.D. ECONOMICS AND FINANCE - UNIVERSITY OF ROME ‘TOR VERGATA’ | INOMICS The PhD program in Economics and Finance is a 4-year full-time program providing an advanced specialization in Economics, Finance, and Econometrics to highly qualified students whose goal is a successful career in academia or in institutions that require financial, economic, and statistical skills. The program offers a distinguished international faculty teaching a wide variety of graduate and doctoral courses in Economics and Finance. During the first year, students acquire a broad set of theoretical and methodological skills required in economics and finance. After choosing their field of specialization, students dedicate the second, third, and fourth years to research. Deadline: 1st March LUISS Guido Carli University, Rome Programs Available: PhD Program in Economics - 6 Fully Funded Scholarships The PhD in Economics at Luiss Guido Carli is a 4-year program providing advanced education in all the main areas of economics. The program is fully funded and provides all students a scholarship for four years. It requires full-time attendance and is taught in English. Our program is designed to give students the ability to understand and solve a broad spectrum of economic problems and to impart training in cutting-edge analytical, empirical, and quantitative techniques. Students acquire the necessary skills to undertake both academic and professional careers, in universities, international research institutions, public authorities, central banks, consulting and financial institutions. Application Deadline: 13 March 2026 PhD Program in Management - 11 Fully Funded Scholarships The Luiss PhD Program in Management is a 4-year program aimed at training high-potential scholars in the fields of strategy, organization, innovation and marketing. The program is fully funded and provides all students a scholarship for four years. It requires full-time attendance and is taught in English. By offering methodological and epistemiological core courses followed by specialized courses and seminars in the majors of Strategy/Innovation, Organization and Marketing, the program puts candidates in a position to be craft top-quality research and be competitive for the international academic job market at the highest level. Faculty members and dissertation supervisors are leading scholars in their fields and boast several top journal publications. Application Deadline: 13 March 2026 CERGE-EI, Prague, Czech Republic Programs available: PhD in Economics The PhD in Economics trains outstanding scholars through a demanding programme, linking rigorous study with real-world change. Faculty produce influential research at the frontiers of the discipline, publish in leading economic and policy-oriented journals, and are involved in major research grants. Students work closely with an adviser and a committee of experts. The fully funded programme combines challenging coursework with original research. A close-knit, international community offers opportunities for research-stays at elite global research institutions. Graduates succeed at leading universities, central banks, international organisations and in the private sector, including technology and consulting. Application deadline: 31 March University of St. Gallen, Switzerland Programs available: Graduate Programme in Economics and Finance (GPEF) - Fully funded PhD positions The Graduate Programme in Economics and Finance (GPEF) at the University of St. Gallen trains students to achieve academic excellence in the areas of Economics, Econometrics and Finance. Graduates are regularly selected for very reputable academic and non-academic positions. The GPEF offers challenging Ph.D. courses taught by internationally established professors and a creative research environment. We offer very attractive salaries, a vibrant research community and financial support to research activities. For full consideration, please submit your application by 31 January. Application deadline: 30 April Ruhr Graduate School in Economics (RGS Econ), Essen, Germany Programs available: Fully Funded PhD program in Economics RGS Econ offers a structured doctoral program in Economics, building on the combined expertise in theoretical, empirical, and applied research of four university economics departments in the Ruhr Valley area of Germany – (Bochum, Dortmund, Essen and Duisburg) – and one of Germany’s leading economic research institutes (RWI - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research). Advanced coursework, a cooperative learning environment, and an extensive research network and infrastructure are geared to support our students in conducting first-rate research and our graduates in obtaining excellent positions in academia, public institutions, and in the private sector. RGS Econ charges no tuition fees. Accepted students are offered financing for a minimum of three years, which may be in the form of a scholarship or in the form of research and teaching assistant positions. Application deadline: 24 March CEMFI, Madrid Programs available: PhD in Economics 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. 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. Application deadline: 31 May Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences (GESS), University of Mannheim Programs available: Doctoral Program in Economics Doctoral Programs in Accounting, Finance and Taxation The Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences (GESS) at the University of Mannheim specializes in doctoral programs in Business, Economics, and Social Sciences. Qualified graduates are encouraged to apply for our full-time PhD programs starting in September 2024: • Doctoral Program in Economics • Doctoral Programs in Accounting, Finance and Taxation Benefit from an internationally recognized teaching and training concept, which will lay the foundation for a successful research career. Conduct research in a stimulating academic environment across the program disciplines. Our courses are taught by distinguished and dedicated faculty members. Our excellent libraries will support you with your research. Application Deadline: 31 March Nova School of Business & Economics, Carcavelos, Portugal Programs available: PhD Positions in Management PhD Positions in Economics and Finance Nova SBE has two 4-year, full-time structured PhD programs in Economics and Finance / Management, delivered in English. The Economics and Finance PhD program provides advanced training in the fields of Economics and Finance. The first two years are dedicated to the coursework whereas the subsequent years focus on research. First-year courses are taken jointly. At the beginning of the second year, students should choose their specialization and supervisor. The Management PhD program provides advanced training in the four key fields: Management and Organization; Marketing; Operations, Technology and Innovation Management; and Strategy and Entrepreneurship. While disciplined and rigorous in training, the program is also flexible, for students to pursue their unique research interests and most challenging careers. Students are usually affiliated with one of our eight Knowledge Centers. They join its community and its activities. They participate in research seminars and interact with top researchers. Application deadline: 31 January Collegio Carlo Alberto, Turin, Italy Programs available: PhD in Economics (Four-Year) - University of Torino The Vilfredo Pareto Doctorate in Economics allows students to structure their coursework and write their doctoral dissertation in a number of different areas of economics. After a common set of core courses that take place in the first term of the program (including review courses in mathematics and statistics and advanced courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics), students can further prepare for their dissertation work by choosing from a list of elective courses. All activities take place at the Collegio Carlo Alberto in downtown Turin. Students can benefit from a vibrant and international academic environment and participate in all scientific events. On top of the yearly scholarship (17,500 Euros per year, for four years), they receive yearly research funds and have the possibility to spend part of their third or fourth year abroad as visiting students. There is also the possibility to sign cotutelle agreements with other academic institutions so to obtain a double doctoral degree. Application deadline: 31 May See all PhD Programs <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/venice/images/icons.svg#launch-18px"></use> Header Image Credit: Copyright INOMICS (Photographer: Christy Ioannidou)
If you're looking to choose an economics PhD program, it's important to consider options that match your research interests, career goals, and personal goals. Below is a selection of some of the best PhD programs in economics that are offered by European universities, to help you find the right postgraduate program for you.
Urban, Rural and Transportation Economics (JEL R)
Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
Agricultural and Environmental Economics (JEL Q)
The Future of Work in Developing Countries Edited by: Akbar Noman, Joseph E. Stiglitz, Arjun Jayadev Part of the series: "Initiative for Policy Dialogue at Columbia: Challenges in Development and Globalization" Published: March 6, 2026 Description: One of the most pressing issues in development today is the employment challenge in low- and middle-income countries. As more young people enter the labor force―and as structural transformation unfolds amid deindustrialization, technological disruption, and global competition―the question of how to create sufficient decent jobs has become central to the economic future of the Global South. Although this is a shared challenge across developing regions, it is particularly acute in Africa, where rapid demographic change and urbanization are colliding with limited industrial expansion. Bringing together leading international scholars, The Future of Work in Developing Countries examines the employment problem from multiple perspectives. By combining rigorous theoretical analysis with grounded empirical research, this book demonstrates that employment creation is not an automatic byproduct of growth but a political and institutional project. It offers fresh insights for scholars of development, political economy, and economic history, as well as for policy makers seeking strategies to promote inclusive transformation in Africa and beyond. Ladder or Lottery: Economic Promises and the Reality of Who Gets Ahead by Gary A. Hoover Published: February 17, 2026 Description: This book asks the reader a simple question: Is our economy a ladder or a lottery? Are people able to control their position on the economic spectrum by their actions? Some argue that, in our market-based economy, if you play by certain rules and make certain choices, you'll achieve upward mobility no matter what economic position you were born into. Drawing on his vast economic expertise, prominent economist Gary A. Hoover explores what this "social contract" requires of its citizens, and what it offers in return. Hoover shows how civil unrest is often directly related to broken society-level promises, exploring protest movements such as Occupy Wall Street, the Tea Party, the Arab Spring, and student debt forgiveness as case studies. He also predicts where future protests can be expected if results promised are not results delivered. This insightful and data-driven book tackles challenging issues around income inequality, health care, and artificial intelligence, and ultimately equips readers to answer these pressing questions: Is our social contract a ladder to higher economic standing, accessible to all no matter where they start? Or rather a lottery in which many will buy a ticket but only a few will find success? And how can we best align social promises with our lived economic realities? Hard at Work: Job Quality, Wellbeing, and the Global Economy by Francis Green Published: December 24, 2025 Description: More than three billion people are at work across the globe, and it takes up a huge chunk of the time humans spend on this planet. Policymakers say they want to see "more and better jobs" or "decent work for all" but are good jobs expanding, and if so for whom? Or are bad jobs taking over? In Hard at Work, Economics Professor Francis Green (University College London) presents a new, up-to-date account of job quality to understand the immense variety and range of jobs, as well as the evolution of these jobs in the twenty-first century. Drawing on economics, industrial relations, sociology, psychology, and ergonomics, as well as new data sources from countries around the world, Green constructs a unified and interdisciplinary conceptual framework that illustrates the impacts of job quality on our health and wellbeing. He finds that while some work environments can be meaningful, well-paced, safe, well-paid, and supportive, others can be tightly controlled, low-paid, dangerous, insecure, and fast-paced. With this broad picture of job quality, Green turns to various issues that impact workers--the failure to improve job quality and workers' wellbeing at work despite long-term economic growth, the declining share of labor income, the general increase in work demands, and the prospects for job quality in the new automated world of work. Original and authoritative, Hard at Work provides a global and comprehensive understanding of job quality that raises important questions for this emerging field. This is an open access title available under the terms of a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license. It is free to read on the Oxford Academic platform and offered as a free PDF download from OUP and selected open access locations. A hardcover or ebook version is available for purchase. Introduction to Quantitative Economics by Jesse M. Shapiro Published: February 24, 2026 Description: A paradigm-shifting textbook that teaches graduate students in economics how to use economic models to interpret data. Offering a new pedagogical paradigm, this textbook delivers a ready-made economics course covering the general concepts that unify different approaches to bringing economic models to data. Jesse Shapiro presents core ideas in quantitative economics as an abstract, cohesive whole and introduces canonical models that can be used across a wide range of applications. This course-in-a-book exposes students to stylized applications of these models that illuminate their foundations as well as recent research articles demonstrating the models’ broad applicability. Expectations Matter: The New Causal Macroeconomics of Surveys and Experiments by Olivier Coibion, Yuriy Gorodnichenko Published: March 24, 2026 Description: How do expectations about the future influence economic behavior? For decades, economists have known that beliefs play a central role—from how much households spend, to how firms set prices, to how central banks design policy. But figuring out exactly how expectations affect decisions has been one of the field’s most persistent empirical challenges. In this book, Olivier Coibion and Yuriy Gorodnichenko present a fresh empirical approach: using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to study the causal impact of expectations. Drawing on more than a decade of their research, they show how targeted information treatments can generate experimental variation in beliefs—making it possible to measure how those beliefs influence real-world decisions. Along the way, they reassess the limits of the traditional rational expectations framework and offer a richer, evidence-based picture of how people form and act on their views about the economy. King Dollar: The Past and Future of the World's Dominant Currency by Paul Blustein Published: March 18, 2025 Description: Prophecies that the dollar will lose its status as the world’s dominant currency have echoed for decades—and are increasing in volume. Cryptocurrency enthusiasts claim that Bitcoin or other blockchain-based monetary units will replace the dollar. Foreign policy hawks warn that China’s renminbi poses a lethal threat to the greenback. And sound money zealots predict that mounting US debt and inflation will surely erode the dollar’s value to the point of irrelevancy. Contra the doomsayers, Paul Blustein shows that the dollar’s standing atop the world’s currency pyramid is impregnable, barring catastrophic policy missteps by the US government. Recounting how the United States has wielded the dollar to impose devastating sanctions against adversaries, Blustein explains that although targets such as Russia have found ways to limit the damage, Washington’s financial weaponry will retain potency long into the future. His message, however, is that America must not be complacent about the dollar; the great power that its supremacy confers comes with commensurate responsibility. Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy by Misty L. Heggeness Published: January 27, 2026 Description: Taylor Swift isn't just a pop megastar. She is a working woman whose astounding accomplishments defy patriarchal norms. And while not all women can be Beyoncé or Dolly Parton or Reese Witherspoon, the successes of these trailblazing stars help us understand the central role of women in today's economy. Swiftynomics assesses the complex economic lives of everyday American women through the stories of groundbreakers like Taylor Swift. Prominent economist Misty L. Heggeness, currently associate professor of economics at Kansas University, digs into the data, revealing women's hidden contributions and aspirations―the unexamined value they create by pursuing their own ambitions. She highlights the abundance of productive activity in their daily lives and acknowledges the barriers they still face. Exploring critical reforms regarding caregiving and gendered labor, this book offers advice for women to thrive in an economy that was not built for them. AI Economics: How Technology Transforms Jobs, Markets, Life, & Our Future by Benjamin Shiller Published: February 6, 2026 Description: Through vivid, often surreal stories, AI Economics reveals how technology is reshaping our world. You will discover: - The "Weirdness Wage Premium": Why the strangest jobs may soon command the highest pay. - The Kangaroo Lesson: What marsupials can teach us about modern job security. - Secondhand Privacy: Why someone else’s data might be more dangerous to you than secondhand smoke. - The Green Mountain Mystery: Why Chinese officials once spray-painted an entire mountainside green, and why new technology finally made them stop. In AI Economics, Benjamin Shiller, associate professor of economics at Brandeis University, draws on decades of research (and yes, AI tools to help research and draft the book!) to reveal how these forces are reshaping our world, and offers a practical map for what comes next. If you have more suggestions, share them in the comments below or contact us at info@inomics.com. Image Credits: sevim karakoç from Pexels via Canva / Ali Haider from Pexels via Canva / Yusuph Mbwambo from Pexels via Canva - All images published under Canva Pro License INOMICS is an Amazon Associate, meaning we are a part of their affiliate program. This means that we earn money if a user clicks through to an affiliate link and makes a qualifying purchase.
Here at INOMICS we are always on the lookout for a good econ read. Here is a selection of new economics book releases from the first quarter of 2026 (okay, one from the very end of 2025!). Our selection includes three new works on labour economics, with a focus on social welfare and economic development. Additionally we highlight two new books relevant for economic methodology, including a major new textbook for students on microeconomics, as well as a new book bridging the gap between behavioral economics and empirical methods. The final three books in our round-up include an eclectic mix of focuses, from an analysis of the status of the dollar as the primary reserve currency in the international economy, an analysis of the role of women in the international economy through prominent case studies like Taylor Swift, through to a new work looking at AI in Economics. Whether you are a student of economics or you are simply interested in economic topics, we wish you happy reading.
PhD student position in Operations Management — KU Leuven
PhD student position in Operations Management — KU Leuven (ref. BAP-2026-224) Laatst aangepast: 02/04/26 The Research Centre for Operations Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, KU Leuven (Belgium) has a vacancy for a PhD student position at the intersection of Operations Research and Supply Chain Management. We are looking for a full-time PhD student to do research on supply chain visibility and network resilience, under the supervision of profs. Jannik Matuschke, Erik Demeulemeester, and Maximiliano Udenio. Project Global supply chains are large, complex networks that are typically opaque even to the firms that operate within them. A firm generally has visibility only to its direct (tier-1) suppliers and, at best, a small fraction of its tier-2 suppliers. However, empirical supply networks routinely span 10 to 15 tiers. This lack of visibility creates significant vulnerability: firms cannot anticipate, prepare for, or respond to disruptions that originate deep in their upstream network. This PhD project aims to develop a formal framework for supply chain visibility and resilience using tools from Operations Research and Operations Management, such as network theory, combinatorial optimization, and econometrics. The project pursues three interrelated aims: first, to characterize how network structure affects the cost and robustness of supply chain visibility; second, to study what actions a focal firm can take within its local sphere of influence to improve its resilience, including the design of its sourcing strategy; and third, to validate the theoretical framework empirically using real-world supply chain network data. Results of the research will be communicated through top-level publications in operations research and operations management journals, and through presentations at international conferences. Although the focus is on research, the candidate can be asked to give guidance to 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, Mathematics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, (Business) Economics, or a similar degree with an equivalent academic level. You have a strong interest in combinatorial optimization, network analysis, and/or supply chain management. Excellent results in prior studies are an asset (cum laude — distinction, or higher). Experience with optimization software (such as Gurobi, CPLEX, or similar) and/or programming languages (such as Python, MATLAB, or R) 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: a motivation letter with a statement of skills and research interests; a curriculum vitae with at least 2 references; a writing sample from the master thesis or relevant (individual) coursework; university diploma copies and complete transcripts. Interested? For more information please contact Prof. dr. Maxi Udenio Castro, mail: maxi.udenio@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Jannik Matuschke, mail: jannik.matuschke@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. Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds Locatie: Leuven Solliciteren tot en met: 30/04/2026 23:59 CET Tags: Ingenieurswetenschappen, Wiskunde, Industriële Ingenieurswetenschappen, Economie
The Research Centre for Operations Management at KU Leuven is seeking a PhD student for research on supply chain visibility and network resilience. Website van de eenheid
KU Leuven Faculteit Economie & Bedrijfswetenschappen (FEB) - Operations Management
The 17th Annual Financial Markets and Liquidity (AFML) Conference Budapest, Hungary 2nd -4th December 2026
with Distinguished Keynote Speakers: Professor Caroline Flammer Columbia University Columbia Climate School Columbia Business School Semyon Malamud Swiss Finance Institute Senior Chair Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) The 17th edition of the Annual Financial Markets and Liquidity (AFML) Conference aims to unite academics and practitioners to discuss cutting-edge research in financial markets, the broad field of liquidity, and its societal implications. The conference welcomes papers on all general finance topics, such as Corporate finance; Investments; Banking; Asset Pricing; Mathematical Finance; Systemic Risk; Regulations; ESG Investments and Sustainability; Climate Finance; Household Finance; AI and Machine Learning; and Game Theoretic Aspects of Financial Markets. The conference also welcomes submissions on liquidity-focused topics, such as Market and Funding Liquidity; Global Liquidity (both Public and Private); Leverage and Macroeconomic Determinants; Market Microstructure; Illiquid Alternative Investments; and Asset Innovations. The conference starts with a networking session and editorial meeting on 2nd December, followed by two full conference days (3–4 December) featuring a variety of presentation formats, including invited speakers, special-topic sessions, full-paper presentations (30 minutes) on the advertised conference topics, and short paper-pitching sessions. We are honored to have the following distinguished and invited speakers: Liquidity and systemic risk special session: Thomas Gehrig (University of Vienna) Econometrics and machine learning special session: Roberto Reno (ESSEC Business School) Global bond markets (liquidity dynamics and currency trends) special session: Gabor Pinter (BIS) and Előd Takáts (BIS) Housing affordability special session: Jaime Luque (ESCP Business School) Jonathan A. Batten (RMIT University) Péter Szilágyi (EDHEC Business School) Submission and Conference Details: Deadline via submissions form: 20th June 2026 (CET, midnight), http://afml.uni-corvinus.hu/ All submissions will be reviewed by at least two members of the Scientific Committee. Authors will be notified of the Program Committee’s decisions by the 1st of September 2026. Submissions may be accepted for full presentations or short pitch talks. Please note that the conference will be held in person only. We encourage submissions from advanced Ph.D. students, who can request feedback from senior members of the scientific committee.
CALL FOR PAPERS The Institute of Finance at Corvinus University of Budapest; the Game Theory Research Group, ELTE Centre for Economic and Regional Studies; the Department of Finance at ESSEC Business School; and the Faculty of Economics at Eötvös Loránd University invite you to The 17th Annual Financial Markets and Liquidity (AFML) Conference Budapest, Hungary 2nd -4th December 2026
4th Annual Conference of Advanced Quantitative Methods and Analytics for Public Policy Support (AQMAPPS)
Join the dialogue and contribute to an interdisciplinary discussion at the forefront of quantitative methods and analytics for public policy support. We invite scholars from education, economics, sociology, political science, health, labour studies, and related social sciences to submit research that advances evidence-based decision-making for the public good. Call for Papers We welcome submissions presenting novel theoretical frameworks, rigorous empirical analyses, and actionable policy insights. Contributions should address real-world policy or managerial challenges across education, health, crime, and other societal domains, and provide implications accessible to policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Researchers from economics, sociology, education, political science and related fields are encouraged to submit work contributing to eviden-based policymaking. The topics of interest include: Educational participation and completion Predictors of student transitions Early-warning systems for dropout The impact of COVID-19 on learning outcomes International student mobility Efficiency and cost-effectiveness of education policies Data-driven approaches to improve equity and inclusion Interested scholars are invited to submit an extended abstract (maximum 1,000 words, PDF format). Please note that the word limit represents a maximum, not a target. Submission Deadline: Extended Dealine May 10th, 2026 To submit a proposal for the conference, please email the submission PDF and contact information for the author(s) to the following email address: aqmapps@ebs.ee. We look forward to your contributions and to the stimulating discussions they will inspire at AQMAPPS 2026. Keynote Speakers: Dr. Johanna Rickne Johanna Rickne is a Professor of Economics at the Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI) at Stockholm University. Her research examines gender equality, political economy, and labour markets, with a focus on how institutions and policies shape economic outcomes. Her work has been published in leading academic journals and frequently informs public debate on gender and economic policy. Dr. Mika Kortelainen Mika Kortelainen is a Professor of Economics at the Department of Economics at the University of Turku. His research focuses on applied microeconomics, with particular interests in public economics, education, and labour markets. He has published widely in international academic journals and has contributed to policy discussions on education and public sector performance through evidence-based research.
The fourth workshop on “Advanced Quantitative Methods and Analytics for Public Policy Support” (AQMAPPS) aims at improving public policy through advanced data modelling techniques, following the previous editions in Milan (2023), Amsterdam (2024) and New York (2025). The workshop is organised by the Horizon Europe BRIDGE consortium. Location: Estonian Business School, Tallinn Dates: September 15th and 16th, 2026
We invite submissions on any topic related to labour and applied economics by 30 June 2026. Submissions should include an abstract (up to 250 words) and a full paper and can be made through our website. All presented papers will have the opportunity to be submitted to a special conference issue of Labour Economics. Job market sessions will be dedicated to young researchers during,the conference. This year's speakers will be: Bob Gregory Lecture Joseph Altonji (Yale University) Keynote Lecture Marianne Bertrand (Chicago Booth) ​Invited speakers Natalie Bau (UCLA) Heather Sarsons (Chicago Booth) Isaac Sorkin (Stanford University) Junjian Yi (Peking University)
The AASLE 2026 Conference will be hosted by Peking University, Beijing, on December 10-12, 2026.
Discovering Graduate Economics Through a Summer School
In 2024 and 2025, two undergraduates, Ellen Lac (University of Edinburgh) and Jem Grimley (University of Warwick), attended the Fundamentals of Graduate Economics & Finance summer school run by the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics. Here is what they found most valuable. At a glance • What it is: a one-week intensive introduction to core graduate foundations • What you study: mathematical analysis and econometrics, supported by seminars and problem-solving • Who it suits: undergraduates preparing for postgraduate economics, and early-stage graduates who want to strengthen quantitative foundations • What you gain: a clearer sense of graduate expectations, plus a cohort network and insight sessions on pathways in economics Before the course: preparation that pays off <img src="https://d35w6hwqhdq0in.cloudfront.net/transform/scale,h=227,w=303,fillArea=True:webp/c00b05794cdc3d9628289588bce8f29d.jpg" data-align="right" data-entity-uuid="43aa85a1-9c9a-4bf6-990d-df80a3844fc1" data-entity-type="file" alt="A tour of Oxford during an economics and finance summer school at the University of Oxford." width="227" height="303" data-caption="A tour of Oxford during the Fundamentals of Graduate Economics and Finance Summer School at the University of Oxford"> Both Ellen and Jem emphasised the value of the preparatory reading provided in advance. With a structured reading list, students can bridge gaps in knowledge and arrive ready to engage with more advanced concepts. • Jem found the materials especially helpful for consolidating what he already knew, and for identifying areas to revise before teaching began. • Ellen felt the preparation helped bring students from different academic backgrounds onto a shared footing. If you are considering the course, the message from both students is simple: do the preparation. It makes the first few days far more manageable. The academic core: building the toolkit The week is designed to introduce the foundations many students encounter early in postgraduate economics. Teaching focuses on both conceptual understanding and how to apply tools under time pressure. Mathematical analysis The first half of the course focuses on mathematical analysis, taught by Professor Ines Moreno de Barreda. Jem described this part as demanding at first, and said it pushed him to build “resilience” as the pace accelerated. Ellen, whose degree had not included dedicated maths modules for economics, found that the teaching helped her get comfortable with abstract ideas more quickly than she expected. Both students highlighted the same takeaway: this material is not just theoretical. It is the foundation you rely on when graduate economics becomes more technical. Econometrics The second half of the course moves into econometrics, taught by Professor James Duffy. Jem appreciated how the teaching used practical examples to ground the techniques in real-world questions. Ellen noted that econometrics is central to postgraduate study, particularly when it comes to reading research critically and producing dissertation work that stands up to scrutiny. Both also pointed to the value of the seminar structure. Having space to ask questions, test understanding, and work through problems interactively helped them build confidence quickly. Insight sessions: pathways, applications and confidence Alongside the academic programme, Ellen and Jem both highlighted the “insight sessions”, where participants meet current and former postgraduate students and professionals working in economics-related roles. Ellen found these sessions especially useful because they made the range of possible pathways feel concrete. Hearing directly from people at different stages helped her picture what she might want next, and what preparation would be most valuable. The cohort experience: learning with people who take it seriously Both students spoke warmly about the social side of the week, not as a separate extra, but as part of what makes the experience work. A one-week intensive course is easier when you have a group around you who are tackling the same material and comparing notes. From informal meet-ups early in the week to college dinners later on, the schedule creates space to connect. Ellen also highlighted punting as a memorable moment to slow down and reflect on how much they had covered in a short time. The broader point is simple: if you are considering postgraduate economics, building a peer network can matter almost as much as the content. What they took away By the end of the week, both Ellen and Jem described leaving with clearer direction and more confidence. • Jem felt more prepared to tackle econometrics, and more realistic about what it would take to succeed at postgraduate level. • Ellen described a renewed determination to push her academic boundaries, and a clearer sense of what graduate study might involve. Both would recommend the summer school to students who want an honest preview of graduate economics, and who are ready for an intensive week that rewards effort. In closing, Jem and Ellen invite others to seize this opportunity, urging, “If you can see yourself enjoying this or wanting to challenge yourself academically, you should apply. You’ll leave with not just knowledge but an inspiration that lasts a lifetime.” About the students Ellen Lac is an undergraduate economics student at the University of Edinburgh and former Vice-President of the University of Edinburgh Economics Society. She took part in the Fundamentals of Graduate Economics & Finance summer school in 2024. Read Ellen’s full Student Diary entry. Jem Grimley is an undergraduate economics student at the University of Warwick. He took part in the Fundamentals of Graduate Economics & Finance summer school in 2025. Read Jem’s full Participant Reflection. Sponsored Content: This article was written by the INOMICS team, in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics, based on Student Diary posts. The article has been reviewed by the INOMICS editorial team, and meets our publishing standards. INOMICS only publishes articles that we consider to be of value to INOMICS users. Image Credits: Oxford University Economics Summer Schools
If you are an undergraduate student of economics, the prospect of a Master’s, MRes or PhD can feel hard to picture. You might be wondering what the pace is like, how mathematical the first term really is, and what “graduate-level” expectations look like day to day. One practical way to find out is to take part in a summer school designed specifically as a bridge into postgraduate study. These courses introduce more advanced methods than most undergraduate programmes cover in depth, and they help you identify what to strengthen before you apply.
DFG Graduate Program Collective Decision-Making
The graduate program "Collective Decision-Making" offers very attractive conditions for undertaking doctoral research on a topic of major significance for democratic societies: decision-making by a group of individuals. Despite the significant role of collective decision-making, its study is generally considered a specialist sub-field of economic, social and behavioral sciences and insights into its workings are hardly ever shared across different disciplines. The graduate program aims to work towards unifying a fragmented field and at the same time generating new impetus for research in this area by integrating separate strands of theoretical and empirical research and methods in economics, philosophy and political science. We are searching for excellently qualified and highly motivated young researchers who are interested in pushing the boundaries of knowledge. As a member of the graduate program you will be undertakng research at the University of Hamburg, one of Germany's top 10 universities. You will be living in one of the most dynamic and international cities in Europe with one of the hightest quality of life worldwide. We will offer you: Excellent preparation for undertaking doctoral research in collective decision-making under the supervision of internationally recognized and networked faculty in Economics, Philosophy and Political Science. A competitive salary with social security and healthcare contributions for three years. Office space, equipment, research funding and generous tavel grants for attending international conferences and workshops and for research visits.
The University of Hamburg, Germany, is offering a graduate program at the intersection of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science. The program is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
2025 Royal Economic Society Prize Winners Announced - Perino, Ritz and van Benthem on Climate Policy
The Royal Economic Society (RES) has <a href="https://The Royal Economic Society (RES) has announced that the 2025 Royal Economic Society Prize will be awarded to Grischa Perino, Robert Ritz, and Arthur van Benthem for their article titled ‘Overlapping Climate Policies’, published in the October 2025 issue of The Economic Journal. The award recognizes the authors' framework, which examines how unilateral jurisdictional policies, such as coal phase-outs or renewable energy supports, interact with broader multi-jurisdictional systems like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The committee emphasized the analysis's relevance to current climate policy debates, highlighting its potential as a tool for policymakers to measure climate effectiveness. In their joint statement, the winners expressed their hopes that their research will serve as an essential resource as global policymakers develop effective climate portfolios. They stated, "Our paper offers a unified framework to study the interaction between several climate policies targeted on the same emitters. Seemingly minor details can make all the difference for whether the policy mix is effective at cutting emissions." They further expressed their gratitude for receiving the RES Prize. Grischa Perino is professor for environmental economics at the University of Hamburg and the managing director of the Earth & Society Research Hub (ESRAH). His research interests include several areas in environmental, climate and applied micro-economics. He is an expert on carbon market design - in particular the Market Stability Reserve in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) - and has advised the European Commission, the German Ministry for Economic Affairs, and the German Environment Agency. Find out more on his faculty webpage or his personal site. Robert Ritz is a fellow and lecturer at Peterhouse College, University of Cambridge. He specialises in the interface between climate policy, industrial organisation and energy economics. He has worked as an advisor to the UK's energy regulator (OFCOM) and the UK's antitrust body, the Competition & Markets Authority. He was previously a research fellow at the University of Oxford, where he also received his PhD. You can find out more on his faculty profile or on his personal website. Arthur van Benthem is a Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at Wharton, University of Pennsylvania, where he is co-director of the Wharton Climate Center. His research specialises in environmental and energy economics. He studied at the University of Amsterdam and at Stanford, where he gained his PhD. You can find out more about Dr. van Benthem on his faculty page or his personal site. The Prize will be awarded at the gala dinner of the annual Royal Economic Society Conference, set to take place in July 2026 at Newcastle University.">announced that the 2025 Royal Economic Society Prize will be awarded to Grischa Perino, Robert Ritz, and Arthur van Benthem for their article titled ‘Overlapping Climate Policies’, published in the October 2025 issue of The Economic Journal. The award recognizes the authors' framework, which examines how unilateral jurisdictional policies, such as coal phase-outs or renewable energy supports, interact with broader multi-jurisdictional systems like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The committee emphasized the analysis's relevance to current climate policy debates, highlighting its potential as a tool for policymakers to measure climate effectiveness. In their joint statement, the winners expressed their hopes that their research will serve as an essential resource as global policymakers develop effective climate portfolios. They stated, "Our paper offers a unified framework to study the interaction between several climate policies targeted on the same emitters. Seemingly minor details can make all the difference for whether the policy mix is effective at cutting emissions." They further expressed their gratitude for receiving the RES Prize. Grischa Perino is professor for environmental economics at the University of Hamburg and the managing director of the Earth & Society Research Hub (ESRAH). His research interests include several areas in environmental, climate and applied micro-economics. He is an expert on carbon market design - in particular the Market Stability Reserve in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) - and has advised the European Commission, the German Ministry for Economic Affairs, and the German Environment Agency. Find out more on his faculty webpage or his personal site. Robert Ritz is a fellow and lecturer at Peterhouse College, University of Cambridge. He specialises in the interface between climate policy, industrial organisation and energy economics. He has worked as an advisor to the UK's energy regulator (OFCOM) and the UK's antitrust body, the Competition & Markets Authority. He was previously a research fellow at the University of Oxford, where he also received his PhD. You can find out more on his faculty profile or on his personal website. Arthur van Benthem is a Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at Wharton, University of Pennsylvania, where he is co-director of the Wharton Climate Center. His research specialises in environmental and energy economics. He studied at the University of Amsterdam and at Stanford, where he gained his PhD. You can find out more about Dr. van Benthem on his faculty page or his personal site. The Prize will be awarded at the gala dinner of the annual Royal Economic Society Conference, set to take place in July 2026 at Newcastle University.
The Royal Economic Society has awarded the 2025 Prize to Grischa Perino, Robert Ritz, and Arthur van Benthem for their significant contribution in understanding climate policy interactions.
7th International Conference of Development and Economy
Date: 22-25 October 2026 Location: University of Peloponnese – Kalamata, Campus Antikalamos The opening of the Conference will consist of two Roundtables Discussion on the topics: The economy and society in the age of artificial intelligence The Greek economy and society facing digital challenges The aim of the conference is to bring together Economists from different fields of Economic Research. This conference will be an excellent opportunity to renew old acquaintances and to meet new colleagues. Networking Participants from all over the world are invited to share methods and exchange ideas. Great Speakers The conference is open to all lines of theoretical and empirical research in agriculture, accounting, banking, development, economics, finance, and entrepreneurship. Excellent Opportunity: This conference will be an excellent opportunity to renew old acquaintances and to meet new colleagues. https://icodecon2026.uop.gr/
Join us at the I.CO.D.ECON 2026 in Kalamata, Greece from 22-25 October 2026 to discuss the economy and society in the age of artificial intelligence and the digital challenges facing the Greek economy.
Description of Doctoral Program: We are inviting outstanding students to join our full- time PhD program in Finance. About the Department The Department of Accounting and Finance aims to attain the highest level of academic excellence in research and teaching. In line with the department’s objectives, the PhD program in Finance trains future academics for research-oriented career abroad. Our PhD graduates in Finance have been placed at leading European universities such as Warwick, Essex, Southampton, Durham, Aston, and AUEB. The Department’s research is ranked (ASU rankings – based on publications in the top 4 Finance journals since 1990): • Top 40 in Europe • Top 200 worldwide in Finance Faculty members hold PhDs from leading universities worldwide (including Harvard, Princeton, LSE, ETH Zurich, USC, Penn State, University of Illinois, at Urbana-Champaign, Georgia State, University of Florida, IESE, among others). Publication output aims the top-tier international journals such as those on the Financial Times list. Our department has historically published in: • Journal of Financial Economics • Review of Financial Studies • Journal of Accounting and Economics • Journal of Accounting Research • Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis • Management Science • Review of Accounting Studies • Contemporary Accounting Research The Department is proud to welcome internationally renowned academics on its seminar series and also as short-term visitors, thus directly benefiting the PhD The Doctoral Program is offered on a full-time basis. Years 1&2: Coursework, Seminars & Exams covering: Financial Economic theory, Econometric methods and Research methodology. Following coursework, students need to pass written Comprehensive Exams. Years 2–5: Research & Dissertation. PhD candidates focus on developing original research, writing and defending their doctoral thesis. Research Environment & Resources: Dedicated Office space, access to databases (such as WRDS, Compustat, CRSP, and I/B/E/S, Refinitiv, S&P Market Intelligence), research interaction in a research-intensive academic environment. Opportunities for research visits at partner universities in Europe, and North America. Research Positions/Scholarships We offer up to four PhD scholarships/research positions to outstanding students from all nationalities. The scholarships cover 80%-100% of the tuition fees, and pay approximately €14000 per year before the Comprehensive exams and approximately €16000-18000 per year after the Comprehensive exams, depending on performance. The funding is granted on an annual basis and renewed for up to a maximum five-year period, subject to satisfactory performance. We also provide annual funding for international conferences (approx. €1000 per year). George M. Constantinides PhD Award, which honors Professor Constantinides, a founding member of the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) at the University of Cyprus, is intended to provide financial support, up to €10000, for FEM PhD students' research endeavors, including participation in international conferences, research visits for training/collaboration/networking, or data acquisition. Admission Criteria Applicants must hold: • A Master’s degree from an accredited university with at least “Very Good” / Upper Second classification. • Priority is given to candidates with First-Class Honours in both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. We strongly encourage applications from a broad range of disciplines, including: Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Accounting, Computer Science, and the sciences in general (e.g. Physics). Cyprus is a Member State of the European Union. The University provides equal opportunities to all applicants regardless of nationality. Applications are submitted electronically and evaluated on a rolling basis. Applications are electronic and announcements are made on a rolling- window basis. To apply, please visit the UCY Graduate School website. More Info: Ph.D. Programme - Department of Accounting and Finance Academic Directors: Prof. A. Charitou (charitou@ucy.ac.cy) and Prof. A. Milidonis (andreas.milidonis@ucy.ac.cy) Secretariat: E. Tsinti, +35722893605, tsinti.eugenia@ucy.ac.cy/M. Kanari, +35722893641, kanari.maria@ucy.ac.cy
Applications for Admission. Up to 4 Scholarships.
Dr. Vera Songwe Appointed to Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences by Pope Leo XIV
The Holy See announced today that Pope Leo XIV has appointed Dr. Vera Songwe as an ordinary member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. Dr. Songwe is recognized for her extensive experience and leadership in global economic and social issues. Born on August 31, 1968, in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Songwe is a citizen of Cameroon. She holds a degree in economics and political sciences from the University of Michigan and a doctorate in mathematical economics from the Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium. Her career spanned roles at the World Bank from 1998 until 2015, during which she served as National Director for several West African nations, including Senegal and Mauritania. From 2015 to 2017, Dr. Songwe was the Director for West and Central Africa at the International Finance Corporation. She later held the position of Undersecretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa until 2022. In addition to her new role, she is also the founder and president of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility and a non-resident senior fellow at the Africa Growth Initiative of the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. This appointment not only highlights Dr. Songwe's vast expertise but also reflects the Vatican's intent to address critical social issues, including climate finance and sustainable development. The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences is an institution of the Holy See that brings together experts from various disciplines with the aim of studying current economic, social, and political issues. In recent years, the academy has recruited individuals with a professional background from international organizations and research institutes, signifying a new impetus at the Vatican to increase its international role in fields such as development economics and climate issues. Image Credits: FID - UK Department for International Development - licensed as CC BY 2.0 via Flickr Photo Title: Dr Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, speaking at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, 20 January 2020
Dr. Vera Songwe, an African development expert, has been appointed by the Vatican to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. Dr. Songwe boasts an impressive career, including leadership roles in international organizations and significant contributions in climate finance.
Ruhr Graduate School in Economics: fully funded PhD Program
The Ruhr Graduate School in Economics (RGS Econ) offers a PhD program in Economics, complying with the highest international standards. RGS Econ is part of the UA Ruhr Research Academy and combines the expertise of four economics departments in the Ruhr Valley Area (UA Ruhr): Ruhr-Universität Bochum, TU Dortmund University, and the University of Duisburg-Essen; with that of the RWI - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research, one of Germany‘s leading economic research institutes. Advanced coursework, a cooperative learning environment, and an extensive research network and infrastructure are geared to support our students in conducting first-rate research and our graduates in obtaining excellent positions in academia, public institutions, and in the private sector. The structure of the doctoral program allows outstanding and research-oriented students to pass their exams and finish their thesis in three to four years. RGS Econ charges no tuition fees. Accepted students are typically offered financing for a minimum of three years in the form of research and teaching assistant positions (TVL E 13). For more details on the program and the application procedure, please visit RGS Econ | Application. What we offer: - a vibrant research community with more than 45 faculty members, currently around 45 doctoral students and many more doctoral students, junior and senior researchers at the participating universities and the research institute. - a comprehensive core course program, enabling students to engage in frontier research in all areas of economics. - a large selection of specialized field courses, multiple research seminar series, guest lectures by renowned international faculty, soft skills seminars, workshops and an annual doctoral conference. structured guidance and supervision, facilitated from the start via a pairing of students with (primary) supervisors based on interests and supervision capacity and to the finish with job market support. - an excellent international research network and funding for research stays as well as conference and summer school participation. What we expect from successful candidates: - a Master’s degree in Economics or related fields (such as Finance, Mathematics, or Statistics), completed by the time of program entry. - a strong motivation and ability for research in economics as well as excellent analytical / quantitative skills, documented by reference letters, academic transcripts etc. - a GRE test result is highly recommended for applicants without a German ‘Abitur’. - English language proficiency
Ready to advance your career in economics? Apply now to the RGS Econ's renowned PhD program in Economics. Please submit your application by 23 March 2026 for a start in October 2026.
Ruhr Graduate School in Economics (RGS Econ)
North American Conference on Islamic Finance
​ Islamic Finance: A Value-Based Approach to Sustainable Growth In an era of increasing financial turbulence, ethical considerations in finance have become more critical than ever. The instability in global financial markets stems largely from flawed corporate practices, regulatory loopholes, and an erosion of ethical values in business operations. The consequences of corporate misconduct, financial scandals, and unsustainable financial practices highlight the urgent need for a fundamental shift toward ethical and responsible finance. Islamic finance offers a value-based alternative by emphasizing transparency, ethical business conduct, sustainability, and social responsibility. The North American Conference on Islamic Finance (NACIF) serves as a platform to explore these principles and their practical applications, fostering a financial ecosystem that is equitable, stable, and aligned with societal well-being.
The purpose of the North American Conference on Islamic Finance (NACIF) is to foster the sharing of global knowledge. It is an international forum for Islamic finance scholars and practitioners to discuss and collaborate on the various innovative practices that are being used in the Islamic finance industry. Ultimately, the goal of NACIF is to facilitate sustainable finance practices that benefit society at all levels.
Dr. David Ortega Receives 2025 Borlaug CAST Communication Award
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) presented the prestigious 2025 Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA) to Dr. David L. Ortega during a ceremony on March 3, 2026, at Madison Hall in the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. The event also marked the announcement of CAST’s Science Communication Scholarship recipient, Suraksha Baral, a Ph.D. student at The Ohio State University. Dr. Ortega, who serves as a Professor and the Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy at Michigan State University, was recognized for his exceptional record in translating complex food and agricultural economics research into accessible information for a variety of audiences, including policymakers and the general public. Over his career, Dr. Ortega has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles, gained nearly 4,000 citations, and provided testimony before U.S. legislative committees. His media presence includes appearances on major outlets like The New York Times and NPR. CAST CEO Dr. Chris Boomsma praised Ortega's work in helping inform public and political discourse on food systems. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ortega emphasized that understanding food economics is an ongoing responsibility that extends beyond personal achievement. Meanwhile, Suraksha Baral received a $1,000 scholarship for her initiatives in communicating critical environmental and agricultural data to non-academic audiences. Baral leads the Can Fairy program in Columbus, Ohio, aimed at enhancing community recycling efforts through engaging educational materials. About CAST The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is an American nonprofit organization that assembles, interprets, and communicates credible, balanced, science-based information to policymakers, the media, the private sector, and the public. Through its network of scientific societies, companies, and individual members, CAST advances the understanding of food, agriculture, and natural resources. For more information, visit cast-science.org. Image Credit: With kind permission of CAST (Council for Agricultural Science and Technology)
At a ceremony held on March 3, 2026, at the Library of Congress, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) awarded Dr. David L. Ortega the 2025 Borlaug CAST Communication Award for his significant contributions to agricultural science communication. The event also recognized Suraksha Baral as the recipient of CAST’s Science Communication Scholarship.
How AI is Re-shaping Economics Postgraduate Education - An Insider View from a Current PhD Student
Below I present three main reasons why it is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine postgraduate education without the use of AI. Whether you’re a student or a lecturer, knowing how to use AI effectively — or just being aware of how students are already making use of it — will help you succeed. 1) AI offers better searches for niche information Many of the common AI models can be used as a search tool, making them the first truly new innovation enabling Internet searches since the emergence of sites like Yahoo! and Ask.com - and of course google - in the second half of the 1990s. This search feature makes it a great study and research partner, beyond what a typical user can accomplish with a search engine. One of the weaknesses of traditional search engines is that it can be hard to find the specific information you need, especially if you’re searching for something niche, or if the language used for that topic is generic. For example, consider a scenario where your favorite bakery is a small mom-and-pop shop named “Croissant”. Or, for a more economics-relevant example, consider searching for content about the inverse elasticity of substitution in (specifically) the neoclassical growth model. In both cases, it can be extremely difficult to find the right information you need. In the first case it’s hard to craft a good search with such limited language, since “croissant” will return far too many irrelevant results. And in the latter case, the need to be extremely specific (thus using so many words) means that a traditional search will end up getting lots of irrelevant content as well. Even using advanced search functions might be ineffective, or at least time-consuming. But AI has the ability to sidestep a lot of these problems. That’s partly because if an LLM answers with something you weren’t looking for, you can just tell it that, and it will pivot to your intended meaning instead. This makes LLMs ideal tools to begin a search for esoteric information — although the ever-present chance of hallucination must be kept in mind (more on that later!). 2) AI models are great as study tools AI models can go far beyond being search engines — they can explain their output and interact with the reader. This is where one of their core use cases lies: as a study tool, or even a supplementary TA. AI models are frequently used by economics postgraduate students, with some using them on a daily basis to aid studies. AI can parse even the most complicated equations and break down complicated or long-winded paragraphs into more digestible bits. This helps students learn new concepts faster than if they’d spent time puzzling over arcane lecture notes, reading a textbook, finding a helpful YouTube video, or waiting to attend office hours. If someone is puzzled over how to get started with a difficult problem, asking an AI model can help them know where to begin. Still, there are limitations. There’s no shortcut to true understanding, and sometimes AI output isn’t sufficient. And of course, LLMs suffer from the hallucination problem, so AI output must be treated with suspicion and tested rigorously to ensure it’s accurate. In the context of an economics course, though, ensuring output is accurate can be a great way to learn! In my personal experience as a PhD student, fellow economics postgrads have agreed that AI is best used to either help with starting a difficult problem or help understand the steps taken in a sparsely-explained proof, problem, or model setup. Often, research papers, textbooks and lecture notes skip several important steps at a time when deriving or showing a concept, much to the ire of students. AI can help bridge the gap by explaining the omitted steps. This is something that AI models have grown quite adept at — given a specific enough prompt. In this way, AI takes on the role of a miniature TA, available at any time a student may be studying. Further, AI can even be used to generate practice problems and mock exam questions, making them good tools to ensure understanding. But these aren’t the only things AI can be helpful for. They can also help economics students parse long stretches of code… 3) AI is an ideal partner for coding Economics is an increasingly broad and cross-disciplinary field. As such, knowledge of mathematics and social sciences are important, but increasingly, data science competence and coding skills are becoming invaluable for economists. This is where LLMs are particularly useful, especially for postgraduate students who don’t have as much practical experience yet. One of the first things that a professor recommended to me during my economics PhD was to use AI to help me write code. Economists are increasingly required to use statistical software programs to do their jobs and their research, and even limited coding skills go a very long way. Even so, the vast majority of economics courses don’t teach software skills — often, there’s only time for an introductory course into one program, and students end up having to learn the rest on their own. This is a gap in the economists’ education that, for better or worse, degree programs often don’t have enough time to cover. Nobody should rely fully upon AI to code everything for them, and my professor wasn’t telling us to do so. Rather, as coding is an important but secondary skill for an economist, my professor recommended that we use AI to help us learn while doing. And, as he pointed out, using AI in this manner makes managing the hallucination problem quite easy: simply test the code the AI gave you. If it works, great! If not, clearly the AI made a mistake. Of course, this process works best for small pieces of code — asking the AI to change the color of a graph, or create a formula to update a matrix, for example. Asking it to write an entire research paper, or compile code to clean a whole database, is a recipe for disaster (and, as I argued before in an article justifying why I did not use AI for my PhD application, is only robbing yourself of the ability to learn). Conclusion: AI can be great, but remember: it’s only a tool There are, of course, pitfalls to avoid with AI. Relying on its output too much is a mistake, and students who over-use it may fail to learn as much as they thought. This is important because economics exams are typically held in person, without the aid of computational devices (outside of perhaps a small calculator). Thus, when grades are on the line, AI often won’t be available. For this reason alone, it’s imperative that students learn course content and how to think about and solve economics problems without relying on AI. In fact, the advent of AI makes it even more likely that, at least in the short run, economics degree programs will continue to rely on in-person exams to assess students. Yet aspiring economists shouldn’t fear this. Any economist worth their salt will know their field, and won’t need to rely on AI to do their job. Yet AI tools can — as with so many other industries — greatly increase the productivity of an already capable economist. Likewise, economics instructors shouldn’t be afraid of AI tools. Embracing them and training students to use them properly can actually increase engagement and learning. Even if you as a lecturer don’t feel confident teaching how to use AI, it’s imperative that you are aware of AI’s capabilities. This applies when designing any assessments, projects, or homework that isn’t done in person, as students could make use of AI while doing them. How has AI been used in your economics degree program? Have you experienced professors or students recommending it, or actively incorporating it into the syllabus? Share your experiences in the comments below! Header Image Credits: halfpoint, via Canva Pro License / Daniil Komov from Pexels, via Canva Pro License / metamorworks from Getty Images, via Canva Pro License
We all know that AI models are becoming increasingly commonplace, with hundreds of software companies now offering AI-powered tools, and dozens of iterations of ChatGPT and similar LLMs popping up every year. While some bemoan AI tools, they’ve also been lauded as powerful and helpful tools that we ought to be using every day. Regardless of where you stand on the AI-usage spectrum, one thing is certain: AI models are reshaping education, even at the highest levels. Economics is no exception. Even for PhD students like me, AI tools are becoming a feature of student life — and when used smartly, can be a great asset to learning.
The program is offered jointly by the faculties of economics of the three universities and the Department of Statistics at TU Dortmund University. This unique combination of training and research skills allows for offering a specialized curriculum for research-oriented students who are interested in deeply understanding and further developing econometric methods for empirical economic research. As this requires rigorous training in mathematics and statistics, the focus on these subjects is bigger than for typical degree programs in economics. About the Master’s Program in Econometrics Econometrics is a branch of economics that deals with the quantitative analysis of economic relationships using mathematics and inferential statistics. Econometric methods are used in many areas of economic research and constitute the basis for empirical applications in many fields such as labor economics and finance. Furthermore, the application of econometrics becomes increasingly important for decision support in companies, governments, financial institutions, and other organizations. While quantitative methods are frequently used in applied research, many economists are not taught the mathematical background necessary to fully grasp the underlying concepts, let alone further develop such techniques. To fill this gap and to respond to the growing demand for highly qualified professionals, the master’s program in Econometrics aims to provide students with both extensive methodological knowledge and an in-depth understanding of central causal economic relationships and resulting econometric issues. Graduates receive a joint MSc degree from the three participating universities. Program Structure The program comprises compulsory modules, elective courses, and a master's thesis. In the four compulsory modules, students receive rigorous training in statistics, econometrics, and time series analysis. The core curriculum also conveys skills in applied research, statistical programming, research project management, and statistical consulting. Elective modules and seminars train students in economic theory and provide further specialization in applied and theoretical econometrics. During their studies, students focus on a specific field of research according to their individual preferences and acquire specialist methodological knowledge, e.g. in financial econometrics or health economics. While core modules and most electives are taught in English, students have the opportunity to attend selected German-language courses. Career Prospects Graduates of the MSc in Econometrics are well qualified to be tomorrow's experts in the increasingly complex world of new data emerging in all areas of social sciences, economics, business, and finance. Students are particularly well prepared for a further career in econometrics, empirical economic research, and evidence-based policy consulting. Excellent graduates interested in pursuing an academic career are supported in developing analytical skills tailored to specific research questions. The program thus prepares optimally for a doctorate in econometrics or related disciplines. What makes the UA Ruhr stand out The University Alliance Ruhr is a joint venture of TUDO, RUB, and UDE. With more than 120.000 students and 1.300 professors, it is Germany’s largest academic hub. Among others, the UA Ruhr initiates cooperation in research, teaching, and administration. Both the education of economists and economic research benefit from these joint activities, in particular through the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research and the RGS – Ruhr Graduate School in Economics, which offers a fast-track Ph.D. program in economics. The Ruhr area has everything to make the most of a student’s life: affordable accommodation, jobs, and a wide range of cultural, sporting, and leisure activities. Furthermore, both national and international students (including non-EU students) study at the UA Ruhr Universities for free, as there are no tuition fees. The semester fee is only about 350€ and allows free use of public transportation in all of North Rhine-Westphalia. Requirements and Application The program is aimed at quantitatively oriented students with a strong interest in acquiring the necessary theoretical foundations for a career in econometric research. A BSc in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, or related disciplines is required. Since Econometrics is a quantitative program, especially the core modules are demanding in terms of mathematical rigor. Accordingly, evidence of proficiency and interest in mathematics/statistics is required. We offer pre-courses before the start of the lecture period, which students with a weaker background in mathematics are strongly encouraged to attend. Please see the department's website for detailed information on admission requirements and the application process. Note that the application must include an essay on the academic background (of at most two pages) in view of the pursued master's program in Econometrics. The application phase for summer 2026 starts on November 15, 2025. The deadline for applicants with a last relevant educational qualification from countries outside the European Union is January 15, 2026. Students with a relevant degree obtained in EU/EAA countries may apply until April 10, 2026. Not only are there opportunities for this cohort (summer 2026, see above) but also for winter 2026. The application period for non-EU/EAA students is: January 15, 2026 - Mai 15, 2026 EU/EEA students can apply until October 9, 2026. If you have any further questions please consult the FAQ section on our homepage first. Feel free to contact our coordinators if our FAQs do not meet your questions.
The Master of Science in Econometrics is a two-year English-language master’s program of TU Dortmund University (TUDO), Ruhr University of Bochum (RUB), and the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE).