Deadline: April 15, 2026
The 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026 is now open for applications, offering an exceptional opportunity for PhD students worldwide to engage in advanced research training, receive expert mentorship, and build meaningful academic networks.
The 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026 is a highly competitive and prestigious programme designed to support emerging scholars working in political economy, development economics, and economic history. Through an intensive and collaborative academic environment, participants will refine their research ideas, gain exposure to cutting-edge methodologies, and interact with leading experts in the field.
Overview of the 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026
The summer school is a three-day intensive academic workshop that brings together a select group of PhD students and world-renowned faculty. It is carefully structured to provide both theoretical insights and practical guidance for early-career researchers.
Participants will engage in:
- Advanced lectures on contemporary topics in political economy
- Research presentations and discussions
- One-on-one and group mentoring sessions
- Peer-to-peer academic exchange
The programme aims to create a stimulating intellectual environment where participants can critically evaluate their research ideas, improve their analytical frameworks, and strengthen their academic writing.
By the end of the summer school, participants are expected to have gained valuable feedback that will significantly enhance the quality and direction of their research work.
Programme Structure and Learning Experience
The structure of the summer school is designed to maximise both learning and collaboration. Over the course of three days, participants will be immersed in a dynamic academic setting that combines lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions.
Expert Lectures
Leading scholars will deliver lectures on key topics shaping the field of political economy today. These sessions are designed to expose participants to:
- Emerging research trends
- Innovative methodologies
- Policy-relevant insights
- Interdisciplinary approaches
Research Presentations
Participants will have the opportunity to present their research ideas or ongoing work. This component is crucial, as it allows students to:
- Receive constructive feedback
- Identify gaps in their research
- Improve clarity and argumentation
- Strengthen their research design
Mentorship Sessions
A core component of the programme is its personalised mentorship approach. Faculty members will work closely with participants to provide targeted guidance on:
- Research questions and hypotheses
- Methodological choices
- Data analysis strategies
- Academic publishing pathways
Collaborative Learning
The summer school fosters a collaborative environment where participants learn from each other. This includes:
- Group discussions
- Peer reviews
- Networking sessions
Such interactions often lead to long-term academic collaborations and partnerships.
Faculty and Academic Mentors
The 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026 features an impressive lineup of globally recognised scholars from leading institutions. These experts bring extensive experience in research, teaching, and policy engagement.
Confirmed faculty members include:
- Farzana Afridi (ISI Delhi)
- Michael Callen (London School of Economics)
- Ruben Enikolopov (Barcelona School of Economics)
- Saumitra Jha (Stanford University)
- Rohini Pande (Yale University)
- Maria Petrova (Barcelona School of Economics)
- Shaoda Wang (University of Chicago)
- Jie Zhou (Yale University)
These faculty members are known for their contributions to political economy and related fields, ensuring that participants receive high-quality mentorship and academic guidance.
Additional faculty may be announced as the programme approaches.
Costs, Funding, and Financial Support
One of the most attractive aspects of the programme is its accessibility in terms of cost.
- Application Fee: Free
- Participation Fee: Free
In addition, the organisers provide:
- Accommodation for selected participants
- At least one meal per day
While the programme may offer limited travel support, this is not guaranteed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to explore funding opportunities through their universities or external sources to cover travel expenses.
This financial structure ensures that talented students from diverse backgrounds can participate without significant financial barriers.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to a global pool of applicants, with a focus on inclusivity and academic excellence.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled as PhD students
- Have research interests in:
- Political Economy
- Development Economics
- Economic History
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to academic research
There are no geographical restrictions, making this a truly international opportunity for emerging scholars.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
1. Research Outline (Maximum Two Pages)
The research outline should clearly present:
- The research topic
- Key research questions
- Proposed methodology
- Expected contributions to the field
This document is a critical component of the application and should reflect clarity, originality, and academic rigour.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The CV should include:
- Academic background
- Research experience
- Publications (if any)
- Relevant skills and achievements
Applicants are advised to ensure that both documents are well-structured, concise, and professionally presented.
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 15 April 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Late submissions will not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their materials well in advance.
Programme Dates and Location
- Dates: 12–14 August 2026
- Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu provides a unique and inspiring setting for academic engagement, offering participants the chance to experience a rich cultural environment alongside rigorous intellectual discussions.
Benefits of Attending the 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026
Participating in the 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026 offers numerous academic and professional benefits:
Academic Advancement
- Gain insights from leading experts
- Improve research quality and structure
- Learn advanced methodologies
Personalised Feedback
- Receive detailed input on your research
- Refine your ideas and arguments
- Strengthen your academic writing
Networking Opportunities
- Connect with scholars from around the world
- Build long-term academic relationships
- Explore potential collaborations
Career Development
- Enhance your academic profile
- Prepare for publication and conferences
- Gain exposure to global research standards
Why This Programme Matters
In today’s competitive academic landscape, early exposure to high-level research environments is crucial. The ACES Summer School provides a platform for PhD students to:
- Engage deeply with their research topics
- Receive mentorship from globally recognised economists
- Build the confidence needed to contribute to academic discourse
This programme is particularly valuable for those aiming to pursue careers in academia, policy research, or international development.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their application via email to the programme coordinator with the required documents (research outline and CV).
Due to the competitive nature of the programme, applicants are encouraged to ensure that their submissions are clear, compelling, and well-prepared.
Application Links
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Final Thoughts
The 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026 is more than just a short academic programme—it is a gateway to intellectual growth, global collaboration, and research excellence.
For PhD students committed to advancing their work in political economy and related fields, this summer school represents a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and grow within an international academic community.
Need Help With Your Application?
If you require support with proposal drafting, refining, or review, feel free to contact us. Expert guidance can significantly improve the quality of your application and increase your chances of selection.
