National Bank of Belgium (NBB) Research Fellowship Programme 2025

National Bank of Belgium (NBB) Research Fellowship Programme 2025

Description

The National Bank of Belgium (NBB) Research Fellowship Programme is now open for applications, offering prestigious research grants to distinguished scholars working in economics and finance. This fully-funded fellowship is designed to enhance the Bank’s understanding of key policy-relevant areas while supporting high-quality academic research.

About the NBB Research Fellowship Programme

The NBB Research Fellowship Programme 2025 provides €100,000 per year to leading researchers for six- or twelve-month projects, with a flexible timeline spread over two to three years. Fellows will conduct collaborative research with the NBB’s Economics and Research Department in Brussels and contribute directly to the Bank’s knowledge base on critical topics influencing the Belgian and European economy.

Fellowship Objectives

1. Promote world-class economic and financial research directly applicable to policymaking
2. Expose NBB staff to cutting-edge academic developments
3. Give scholars unique insight into the central banking environment and policy challenges
4. Strengthen collaboration between academia and the central banking community

Degree Level

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

Available Subjects

Priority Research Areas

The 2025 call for proposals welcomes applications in the following key research domains:

1. Agent Heterogeneity

Topics include:

1. Transmission of economic shocks through heterogeneous agents
2. Aggregation from micro to macro level
3. Network-based shock transmission
4. Measurement of agent-specific characteristics and productivity

2. Climate Change and Transition to Climate Neutrality

Research may focus on:

1. Impact of climate policy instruments (e.g. carbon pricing, regulation)
2. Macroeconomic implications of the green transition
3. Interactions with monetary and fiscal policy
4. Role of electricity markets and climate economics

3. Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence

Relevant areas include:

1. AI's impact on firm performance and market power
2. Labour market shifts due to automation and robotics
3. Policy responses and regulation of digital technologies
4. Innovation dynamics in the digital economy

4. International Trade and Financial Risks

Suggested topics:

1. Economic impacts of geopolitical tensions and sanctions
2. Global supply chain risks and trade fragmentation
3. Strategic sourcing of critical commodities
4. Functioning of the international monetary system

5. Macroeconomic Policy Design

Focus on:

1. Transmission of fiscal and monetary policies under heterogeneity
2. Expectation formation in policy effectiveness
3. Fiscal and monetary policy coordination
4. Non-linearities and optimal policy frameworks in monetary unions

Both empirical and theoretical research methodologies are welcome, including macroeconomic modelling, agent-based simulations, and advanced econometrics.

Benefits

1. Research Grant: €100,000 per year for six-months of research
2. Flexible Duration: Projects can span two to three years (up to 12 months in total)
3. Funding Includes: Travel, accommodation, and conference fees
4. Prestigious Output: Publish in leading peer-reviewed journals and the NBB Working Papers series
5. Networking & Events: Organise at least one workshop or training at the NBB

Eligible Nationalities

Open to applicants of EU-Member State.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

1. Be a citizen or permanent resident of an EU Member State
2. Be legally eligible to work in the EU
3. Hold a professorial role (assistant, associate, full, or visiting) at a university in the EU
4. Have an active research profile with proven experience and a strong publication record

Application Procedure

Application Requirements

To apply, submit the following by 15 September 2025:

1. A detailed CV including publications
2. A one-page research proposal
3. (Optional) Proposal for a related event (workshop or training)
4. Preferred timeframe for conducting the research

Send your application via email to:

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

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by the Fellowship Committee, composed of senior NBB staff and external experts from top research institutions. Selection is based on:

1. Research quality and innovation
2. Relevance to policy and central banking
3. Academic leadership and impact

Final decisions are made by the Board of Directors of the NBB, and fellowship recipients will be announced in October 2025.

Why Apply for the NBB Research Fellowship?

This programme is a unique opportunity for economists and financial scholars to:

1. Work with one of Europe’s leading central banks
2. Contribute to policy-relevant research
3. Access exclusive NBB data and infrastructure
4. Build networks across Belgian and EU academic circles

The NBB strongly encourages applications from women and researchers from diverse backgrounds, supporting an inclusive research environment in the field of economics and finance.

FAQs

Q1: Can I apply if I am not an EU citizen?

You must be a citizen or permanent resident of an EU Member State, or otherwise legally authorised to work in the EU.

Q2: Do I need to live in Brussels during the fellowship?

Fellows are expected to work at the NBB's premises in Brussels, though the schedule can be distributed across 2–3 years for flexibility.

Q3: Is it possible to combine this fellowship with another grant?

No. The NBB grant cannot be combined with other financial support from or contractual relationships with the Bank.

Apply Now

Make your mark on economic research and policymaking. Submit your application for the National Bank of Belgium Research Fellowship Programme 2025 and shape the future of central banking through evidence-based insights.