National Bank of Belgium Research Fellowship 2025

Description

The National Bank of Belgium (NBB) is now accepting proposals for its Research Fellowship Programme 2025, offering up to €100,000 per year in funding for cutting-edge economic research. This competitive fellowship is open to leading researchers and academics interested in conducting policy-relevant studies in collaboration with the NBB Economics and Research Department.

This is a unique opportunity to shape economic thinking in Belgium and the European Union through empirical and theoretical research in priority areas including climate change, agent heterogeneity, digitalisation, macroeconomic policy, and international trade risks.

What is the NBB Research Fellowship Programme?

The NBB Research Fellowship Programme provides six to twelve-month research grants for scholars conducting independent economic and financial research aligned with the Bank’s priorities. The research is expected to inform Belgium’s economic policymaking, while strengthening ties between the NBB and academic institutions.

Fellows collaborate with in-house economists, access exclusive microeconomic data and IT infrastructure, and publish their findings in the NBB Working Papers series and peer-reviewed journals.

Degree Level

National Bank of Belgium Research Fellowship 2025 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at Belgium Universities.

Available Subjects

Applicants must submit a proposal addressing one of the following key research domains:

1. Agent Heterogeneity

1. Macroeconomic impact of micro-level shocks
2. Production networks and distributional effects
3. Structural microeconomic characteristics like productivity and expectations

2. Climate Change Economics

1. Transition to climate neutrality
2. Effects of carbon pricing, regulationsand green innovation
3. Interaction of climate policies with monetary and fiscal policy

3. Digitalisation and AI

1. Impact of automation and AI on firm strategy, productivity, and market power
2. Labour market transitions and upskilling
3. Digital policy frameworks in Belgium and the EU

4. International Risks

1. Economic impact of geopolitical tensions, sanctionsand trade fragmentation
2. Access to critical resources and energy
3. International monetary system reforms

5. Macroeconomic Policy

1. Transmission of fiscal and monetary policy
2. Policy interaction in monetary unions
3. Expectations, nonlinearities, and policy design in crisis environments

Benefits

1. Research Grant: Up to €100,000 per year
2. Project Duration: 6 or 12 months (spread over 2–3 years)
3. Location: Fellows work on-site at the NBB headquarters in Brussels

Covered Expenses:

1. Accommodation and travel to Brussels
2. Participation in external academic events
3. Research infrastructure and statistical support

Note: The NBB grant cannot be combined with other funding or employment from the Bank.

Eligible Nationalities

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible candidates must:

1. Be experienced researchers in economics or finance
2. Have a strong publication record and history of university teaching or supervision
3. Submit a well-structured research proposal aligned with NBB’s topics
4. Demonstrate potential to contribute to both academia and policymaking

What Are Fellows Expected to Do?

During the fellowship, selected researchers will:

1. Conduct collaborative research with NBB staff
2. Deliver at least one research paper for NBB publication
3. Present findings at internal and external seminars
4. Organize an event (e.g. workshop or training) at the NBB
5. Support academic exchange between Belgian universities and the Bank

Application Procedure

Applications are evaluated based on:

1. Research Proposal Quality
2. Academic CV and Expertise
3. Publication Track Record

Fellowships are awarded with a commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity.

For questions or submissions:

1. Catherine Fuss – catherine.fuss@nbb.be
2. Raf Wouters – rafael.wouters@nbb.be

Conclusion: The National Bank of Belgium Research Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for distinguished economists to make a real-world policy impact. With high funding, rich collaboration, and access to Belgium’s leading economic research platform, this fellowship empowers scholars to bridge academia and policy.

Apply now and contribute to the future of economic policy in Europe.