Young Economist Prize

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. 

Finalists are invited to the annual ECB Forum on Central Banking, and the overall winner is awarded €10,000.

What are the topics for 2025 paper submissions?

The theme of the 2025 ECB Forum on Central Banking is “Adapting to change: macroeconomic shifts and policy responses ”.

PhD students are invited to submit papers on this theme, with a focus on one or more of the following topics:

• macroeconomic implications of (recent) structural changes in euro area labour markets

• strength, speed and state-dependence of monetary transmission (with a focus on households, consumption and savings)
• growth of non-bank financial intermediaries, liquidity and their prudential treatment
• new industrial developments and the evolving architecture of international trade
• cross-country heterogeneity in the euro area and implications for monetary policy
• current challenges in central bank communications

We will also consider papers on other topics relevant to euro area central banking (including monetary policy, new means of payment and payments infrastructures, the deepening of Economic and Monetary Union, the functioning of the euro area economy and financial system, financial stability, and banking regulation and supervision).

How do we select the finalists?

Submitted papers are assessed based on three selection criteria:

1. innovative thinking and scientific merit
2. relevance for ECB/euro area policies
3. 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.

What will the finalists do at the Forum?

Finalists attend the ECB Forum on Central Banking in Sintra, Portugal from 30 June to 2 July 2025.

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.

Their papers are assessed by a jury of top academics and senior ECB staff, taking into account votes to be cast by Forum participants.

Please see the prize rules  and privacy statement for further details.

How to apply to the Young Economist Prize?

To apply, you will need:

• your curriculum vitae
• your research paper, including the abstract
• a letter of recommendation from your tutor

To be eligible, you need to meet the following criteria:

• you are currently enrolled in a PhD programme in economics or finance
• you are NOT currently employed by the ECB or a national central bank of the European System of Central Banks (traineeships included)
• you have NOT previously attended the ECB Forum on Central Banking as a finalist of the Young Economist Prize or the Young Economists’ Competition

Further information will become available when applications open.