Young Economist Prize 2026 applications are now officially open for PhD students in economics and finance who want to shape Europe’s economic future. Organised by the European Central Bank (ECB), this prestigious research competition gives young scholars the opportunity to present their work at the renowned ECB Forum on Central Banking in Sintra, Portugal.
Finalists of the Young Economist Prize 2026 will present their research to leading policymakers, academics, and market economists. The overall winner receives a €10,000 cash prize.
Brief Information
The Young Economist Prize 2026 is a competitive research award for outstanding PhD students. Finalists will attend the ECB Forum on Central Banking from 29 June to 1 July 2026 in Sintra, Portugal. The winner will receive €10,000 and global recognition.
This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with senior central bankers and experts shaping euro area policy.
Key Dates & Details
- Application Deadline: 2 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Recommendation Letter Deadline: 2 March 2026
- Forum Dates: 29 June – 1 July 2026
- Location: Sintra, Portugal (In-person)
- Prize: €10,000 for the overall winner
- Organiser: European Central Bank (ECB)
- Target Group: PhD students in economics or finance
- Publication Opportunity: Selected papers published on the ECB website
For broader context on euro area monetary policy, you may explore the official website of the European Central Bank:
https://www.ecb.europa.eu
Table of Contents
Overview
The Young Economist Prize 2026 is an annual research competition that recognises innovative thinking and academic excellence among emerging economists. Through this initiative, the ECB encourages young researchers to contribute fresh perspectives on Europe’s economic challenges.
The theme of the 2026 ECB Forum is:
“Shaping Europe’s future: innovation, growth and stability.”
Finalists of the Young Economist Prize 2026 will attend the prestigious ECB Forum on Central Banking, where global experts gather to discuss monetary policy, financial stability, and economic development.
Selected research papers will be published on the ECB’s official website and shared with high-level policymakers and academics worldwide.
Topics for Young Economist Prize 2026
PhD students are invited to submit papers aligned with the Forum theme, particularly focusing on:
- Tokenisation of financial assets and payment systems
- Prudential deregulation and reregulation cycles
- Growth acceleration in the EU
- Migration and productivity
- Artificial intelligence and financial stability
- Europe’s role in global trade
Papers on other euro area central banking topics are also welcome, including:
- Monetary policy
- Economic and Monetary Union deepening
- Financial system stability
- Banking regulation and supervision
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Innovative thinking and scientific merit
- Relevance for ECB and euro area policies
- Pertinence to the Forum theme
The jury consists of top academics and senior ECB staff.
Eligibility
To apply for the Young Economist Prize 2026, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme in economics or finance
- Not be employed by the ECB or a national central bank within the European System of Central Banks
- Not have previously attended the ECB Forum as a finalist
This competition is exclusively for doctoral candidates who are passionate about shaping European economic policy.
Application Details
To apply for the Young Economist Prize 2026, candidates must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research paper (including abstract)
- Supervisor’s recommendation letter (sent directly to [email protected])
Application deadline: 2 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
Applications must be submitted via the official online form.
What Happens at the ECB Forum?
Finalists of the Young Economist Prize 2026 will:
- Attend the ECB Forum in Sintra, Portugal
- Participate in panel discussions and expert sessions
- Deliver an elevator pitch on stage
- Network with central bankers and global economists
- Have their papers reviewed by a distinguished jury
Forum participants also vote as part of the final evaluation process.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the Young Economist Prize 2026?
Only PhD students in economics or finance who meet the eligibility criteria can apply.
2. Is there a participation fee?
No application fee is mentioned in the official call.
3. What is the prize amount?
The overall winner receives €10,000.
4. Where does the Forum take place?
The ECB Forum on Central Banking will be held in Sintra, Portugal from 29 June to 1 July 2026.
Official Link
Ready to apply for the Young Economist Prize 2026?
👉 Apply here:
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Sintra_Forum
📄 Prize Rules:
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/ecbforum/shared/pdf/2026/rules_yep2026.en.pdf
🔒 Privacy Statement:
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/services/data-protection/privacy-statements/html/ecb.privacy_statement_young_economist_prize.en.html
Visit More Opportunities – oppotify.com
Discover more fully funded scholarships, fellowships, conferences and global competitions on Oppotify:
https://oppotify.com
