The European Central Bank (ECB) has officially opened applications for the Wim Duisenberg Research Fellowship Programme for 2026. This esteemed fellowship offers leading economists a chance to contribute to policy-oriented research at the heart of European monetary policy. Selected scholars will have the opportunity to work alongside ECB experts and gain valuable insights into the operations of one of the world’s most influential central banks.
Established in honor of Wim Duisenberg, the first President of the ECB, the fellowship is designed to promote high-quality economic research. The program supports academic excellence while providing a platform for scholars to engage with central banking professionals. It aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical monetary policymaking.
With applications now open, researchers from around the world are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will benefit from a structured research environment, financial support, and the chance to publish their work through the ECB’s Working Paper Series. The application deadline for the 2026 fellowship is April 30, 2025.
About the Wim Duisenberg Research Fellowship
Objectives of the Fellowship
The Wim Duisenberg Research Fellowship Programme was established in 2006 with the following goals:
- Promote Policy-Relevant Research: Encouraging academic studies that directly contribute to central banking decisions.
- Facilitate Knowledge Exchange: Enabling ECB staff to engage with cutting-edge economic research.
- Provide Practical Experience: Allowing scholars to gain firsthand exposure to ECB’s policy-making environment.
Fellowship Duration and Location
- The fellowship lasts between two to six months during 2026.
- It can be completed as a single period or split into multiple shorter visits, depending on mutual agreement with the ECB.
- The research work will be conducted at the ECB’s Directorate General Research (DG/R) in Frankfurt, Germany.
Key Activities and Responsibilities
During the fellowship, selected scholars will:
- Conduct independent research on economic and monetary policy topics.
- Collaborate with ECB experts to gain insights into practical policymaking.
- Present their findings in internal seminars at the ECB.
- Work towards publishing their research in the ECB’s Working Paper Series.
Financial Support and Benefits
- Fellows will receive a financial allowance based on their academic seniority and experience.
- They will have access to ECB resources, research data, and collaboration opportunities with ECB professionals.
Who Can Apply?
The ECB is looking for applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Hold a PhD in Economics or a related field from a reputed university.
- Have an outstanding publication record in top-tier academic journals.
- Specialize in areas relevant to monetary policy and central banking.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit their Applications via email to WDFP@ecb.europa.eu. The application must include:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) listing academic qualifications and research experience.
- A one-page research proposal outlining the intended research topic and objectives.
- A mention of the preferred time period for the fellowship.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Wim Duisenberg Research Fellowship 2026 is April 30, 2025. Early applications are encouraged as the selection process is highly competitive.