National Bank of Belgium Research Fellowship Programme – 2025

Pursue cutting-edge economic research with real policy impact.
The National Bank of Belgium (NBB) invites applications for its prestigious Research Fellowship Programme 2025, offering up to €100,000 per year to support advanced economic research that informs policymaking in Belgium and the European Union.

This highly competitive program is designed for leading researchers and academics aiming to address critical economic issues through rigorous empirical or theoretical analysis. Fellows will collaborate with the NBB’s Economics and Research Department to contribute to high-impact policy discussions and scholarly work.

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About the NBB Research Fellowship Programme

The programme supports 6- to 12-month fellowships (which may be spread over 2–3 years) for independent economic and financial research closely aligned with the NBB’s strategic priorities. Selected fellows will work on-site at the NBB headquarters in Brussels, engage with in-house economists, and have access to exclusive microeconomic data, IT infrastructure, and support.

Their research outcomes will be disseminated through the NBB Working Paper Series and internationally recognized academic journals.

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Key Research Themes for 2025

Applicants must propose projects within one or more of the following strategic domains:

1. Agent Heterogeneity

   • Micro-level shocks and macroeconomic outcomes

   • Distributional impacts and production networks

   • Role of productivity and expectations at the micro level

2. Climate Change Economics

   • Pathways to climate neutrality

   • Effects of carbon pricing, green innovation, and regulation

   • Intersections with monetary and fiscal policies

3. Digitalisation and AI

   • Influence of AI and automation on firms and markets

   • Labour market shifts and upskilling dynamics

   • Governance and digital policy frameworks in the EU

4. International Risks

   • Economic fallout from geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation

   • Resource dependencies and energy security

   • Reforms in the global monetary system

5. Macroeconomic Policy

   • Transmission mechanisms for monetary and fiscal policy

   • Policy coordination in monetary unions

   • Crisis response, expectations, and policy design

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Fellowship Benefits

• Research Grant: Up to €100,000 per year

• Duration: 6 or 12 months (can be spread over 2–3 years)

• Location: NBB headquarters, Brussels

• Covered Expenses:

  • Travel and accommodation in Brussels

  • Attendance at academic conferences and events

  • Full access to NBB research infrastructure and data

Note: The fellowship grant cannot be combined with other NBB employment or funding.

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Eligibility Requirements

This opportunity is open to researchers of all nationalities who meet the following criteria:

• Proven expertise in economics or finance

• Strong academic track record, including peer-reviewed publications

• Demonstrated experience in teaching or academic supervision

• A compelling research proposal aligned with the NBB’s focus areas

• Commitment to contributing to both academic knowledge and public policy

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Fellow Responsibilities

Fellows are expected to:

• Collaborate with NBB researchers on joint projects

• Produce at least one publishable working paper

• Present research findings in internal and external seminars

• Organize an academic event at the NBB (e.g., workshop or lecture)

• Facilitate knowledge exchange with Belgian academic institutions

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Application and Evaluation

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Quality and relevance of the research proposal

• Academic qualifications and publication record

• Researcher’s experience and expertise

The selection process is guided by principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

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How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application and direct any questions to:

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

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Conclusion

The NBB Research Fellowship Programme 2025 is an exceptional opportunity for accomplished economists to engage in meaningful, policy-relevant research while benefiting from generous funding, institutional support, and academic collaboration.

Take your research to the next level—apply now and help shape the future of economic policy in Belgium and Europe.

APPLY HERE