Brief Information
The Fiscal and Monetary Policy Boot Camp 2026 is an intensive, fully funded two-day research workshop organized by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) with support from the National Science Foundation. Taking place on May 7–8, 2026 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the boot camp is designed for economics PhD students working on or planning research related to fiscal policy, monetary policy, and their interactions.
The program combines frontier academic lectures, poster presentations, and networking opportunities, offering participants direct engagement with leading scholars in macroeconomics and policy research.
Key Dates & Details
- Program Name: Fiscal and Monetary Policy Boot Camp for Doctoral Students
- Event Dates: May 7–8, 2026
- Application Deadline: February 4, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
- Location / Type: Cambridge, MA, USA (In-person)
- Target Group: Economics PhD students
- Number of Participants: Maximum 25 students
- Funding: Travel and lodging reimbursed (subject to NBER caps)
- Accommodation: Up to 3 nights covered
- Organiser: National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
- Supporter: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Table of Contents
Overview
The Fiscal and Monetary Policy Boot Camp 2026 is designed to promote new and innovative doctoral research in macroeconomics by helping PhD students connect frontier theoretical and empirical methods with ongoing policy debates. The boot camp focuses broadly on fiscal policy, monetary policy, and their interactions, offering participants a structured environment to refine their research ideas and methodologies.
Each day of the boot camp features two in-depth lectures delivered by leading researchers affiliated with NBER and top global universities. Confirmed lecturers include:
- Francesco Bianchi (Johns Hopkins University)
- Corinna Boar (New York University)
- Luigi Bocola (Stanford University, Organizer)
- Christian Wolf (MIT)
In addition to lectures, participants will present their own work during poster sessions, allowing for detailed feedback from faculty and peers. Projects may be at an early stage, making this program particularly valuable for students shaping dissertation topics or refining research agendas.
The Fiscal and Monetary Policy Boot Camp 2026 also emphasizes academic networking, creating opportunities for interaction among doctoral students and between students and senior researchers in a focused and collaborative setting.
Who Can Apply
Applicants to the Fiscal and Monetary Policy Boot Camp 2026 must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current PhD student in economics
- Have successfully completed the first year of the PhD program
- Students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th year of their PhD will be given priority
- Have an academic interest in:
- Fiscal policy
- Monetary policy
- Macro-fiscal and monetary interactions
Participation is competitive and limited to admitted applicants only.
Program Format & Faculty
Participants are expected to:
- Read a set of background research papers circulated before the event
- Prepare a poster presentation based on an ongoing or planned research project
- Actively engage in discussions, lectures, and networking sessions
The boot camp will host no more than 25 students, ensuring intensive interaction and personalized feedback. Travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed in line with NBER reimbursement guidelines.
Application Details
To apply for the Fiscal and Monetary Policy Boot Camp 2026, applicants must submit one single PDF file containing the following documents in order:
- Cover Letter, including:
- Full contact information
- Current institution
- Year in PhD program
- Name and email of a faculty referee (if shortlisted)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Including a list of completed and ongoing PhD coursework
- Statement of Interest (maximum 2 pages), explaining:
- Current and planned research
- Relevance to fiscal and/or monetary policy
- How participation will benefit the applicant’s research
- (Optional) One-page abstract and provisional title for a poster
📝 Submission Method: Google Forms
📅 Deadline: February 4, 2026 – 11:59 PM EST
❗ Late applications will not be accepted.
📧 Scientific Questions: [email protected]
📧 Logistical Questions: [email protected]
For general guidance on preparing strong PhD applications and research statements, you may consult this resource:
https://www.nber.org/research
FAQ
Is participation fully funded?
Yes. Travel and lodging expenses are reimbursed according to NBER guidelines.
Can early-stage PhD students apply?
Yes. Applicants must have completed at least the first year of their PhD.
Is presenting a poster mandatory?
Yes. Participants are expected to prepare a poster, even for early-stage research.
When will results be announced?
Acceptance decisions will be communicated by February 2026.
Official Link
👉 Official Call for Applications (NBER):
https://www.nber.org/calls-papers-and-proposals/fiscal-and-monetary-policy-boot-camp-doctoral-students
👉 Application Form (Google Forms):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pAVrdarc8XM-qe-9KHFRrHKqqhUNxM7WEMBUduuoH38
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