Deadline:
March 02, 2026
Location(s)
Portugal
Sintra
Overview
Young economists can play an important role in shaping the future of Europe. Every year we recognise this through the Young Economist Prize, a research competition that offers talented students the chance to share their fresh perspectives on today’s challenges.
Details
What are the topics for 2026 paper submissions?
The theme of the 2026 ECB Forum on Central Banking is “shaping Europe’s future: innovation, growth and stability”.
PhD students are invited to submit papers on this theme, with a focus on one or more of the following topics:
- tokenisation of financial assets and means of payment
- prudential cycles of deregulation and reregulation, and their implications for financial stability and growth
- accelerating growth in the EU, and the role of innovation versus diffusion
- implications of migration for productivity and growth
- artificial intelligence and its implications for financial stability
- Europe’s role in the new global trade landscape
We will also consider papers on other topics relevant to euro area central banking (including monetary policy, the deepening of Economic and Monetary Union, the functioning of the euro area economy and financial system, financial stability, and banking regulation and supervision).
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
How do we select the finalists?
Submitted papers are assessed based on three selection criteria:
- innovative thinking and scientific merit
- relevance for ECB/euro area policies
- pertinence to the Forum’s theme and aforementioned topics
We also take into account the information provided in the candidate’s CV and recommendation letter.
Dates
Deadline: March 02, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
What will finalists do at the Forum?
Finalists attend the ECB Forum on Central Banking in Sintra, Portugal from 29 June to 1 July 2026.
Their research papers are published on the ECB’s website and shared with all Forum participants, including policymakers, top academics and market economists from around the world.
During the Forum, finalists attend a varied programme of panel discussions and expert talks. They also have the opportunity to give an elevator pitch on stage to the members of the ECB Executive Board.
Their papers are assessed by a jury of top academics and senior ECB staff, taking into account votes to be cast by Forum participants.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
