(NBB) National Bank of Belgium Research Fellowship 2025

National Bank of Belgium Research Fellowship 2025 (Up to €100,000 Funding)

The National Bank of Belgium (NBB) is now accepting applications for its prestigious Research Fellowship Programme 2025. This opportunity offers up to €100,000 in annual funding to support groundbreaking economic and financial research. The fellowship is open to international researchers and academics with a proven track record in economics, finance, or related fields. Selected fellows will collaborate with the NBB Economics and Research Department and contribute to high-impact policy-relevant research.

This program aims to shape Belgium and the European Union’s economic policy landscape by supporting in-depth studies in areas such as climate change, macroeconomic policy, digitalization, and international trade risks.

Fellowship Details

• Host Institution: National Bank of Belgium (NBB)

• Fellowship Type: Research Fellowship

• Location: Brussels, Belgium

• Funding: Up to €100,000 per year

• Duration: 6 or 12 months (flexibly spread across 2–3 years)

• Application Status: Open

• Nationality: Open to all nationalities

Research Areas

Applicants must propose research in one of the following key domains:

1. Agent Heterogeneity

   • Micro-level economic shocks and distributional effects

   • Production networks and expectations

   • Microeconomic structure and productivity

2. Climate Change Economics

   • Green innovation and carbon pricing

   • Climate policy and macroeconomic interaction

   • Energy transition and neutrality

3. Digitalization and AI

   • Automation, AI, and firm-level productivity

   • Labor market transformation and digital skills

   • Regulatory frameworks in the digital economy

4. International Risks

   • Geopolitical risks and trade fragmentation

   • Energy access and critical resource strategies

   • Reform of the international monetary system

5. Macroeconomic Policy

   • Fiscal and monetary policy transmission

   • Monetary union policy coordination

   • Nonlinear effects and crisis policy design

Benefits

• Grant Amount: Up to €100,000/year

• Expenses Covered:

  • Travel and accommodation in Brussels

  • Participation in academic events

  • Access to research infrastructure and microeconomic databases

• Work Environment: On-site collaboration with NBB staff at their headquarters in Brussels

• Publication Opportunity: NBB Working Papers Series and international journals

• Networking: Engage with top economists and participate in academic exchanges

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be experienced researchers in economics or finance

• Have a strong publication history and teaching or supervision experience

• Submit a well-defined research proposal relevant to the NBB’s research agenda

• Demonstrate potential for academic and policy contributions

Fellowship Expectations

Selected fellows are expected to:

• Conduct original research in collaboration with NBB economists

• Publish at least one research paper under the NBB’s publication channels

• Present their work at internal and external events

• Host a seminar, workshop, or training event at NBB

• Foster stronger links between academia and Belgium’s economic policy sector

Application Procedure

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and relevance of the research proposal

• Academic qualifications and expertise

• Research and publication record

The selection process promotes equality and non-discrimination.

For questions or to submit your proposal, contact:

• Catherine Fuss – [email protected]

• Raf Wouters – [email protected]

• Apply

The National Bank of Belgium Research Fellowship 2025 is a distinguished opportunity for accomplished economists to contribute directly to European economic policy. With high-level funding, exclusive access to resources, and a collaborative research environment, this fellowship bridges the gap between theory and practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the fellowship?
Researchers from any country with a background in economics or finance and a proven publication track record are eligible.

2. Can the grant be combined with other funding sources?
No. The NBB fellowship cannot be combined with other NBB employment or funding.

3. Is on-site work in Brussels mandatory?
Yes, fellows are expected to work on-site at the NBB headquarters during the project.

4. What types of research proposals are accepted?
Proposals must align with the NBB’s listed research priorities such as macroeconomic policy, climate economics, and digitalization.

5. How long is the fellowship?
The program lasts for either 6 or 12 months and may be spread across two to three years for flexibility.