Call for Applications: 25th Summer School in International and Development Economics @Unknown

The Twenty-Fifth Summer School in International and Development Economics will take place from Tuesday, 1 September to Friday, 4 September 2026 at Castello di Gargonza, Tuscany, Italy. This year’s edition focuses on Economic Development in the Age of Big Data and AI, offering an intensive program for graduate students and early-career researchers.

• Dates: 1–4 September 2026
• Location: Castello di Gargonza, Tuscany, Italy
• Target Participants: Graduate students, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers in development and international economics
• Fees: €900 (includes registration, accommodation in double rooms, meals, local transfers, and background materials)

Organisers and Collaborators

The Summer School is organised collaboratively by leading academic and research institutions:

• Centro Studi Luca d’Agliano
• Fondazione Collegio Carlo Alberto
• Vilfredo Pareto Doctoral Program in Economics, University of Turin
• DEMS, University of Milan Bicocca
• Cattolica University
• Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)
• Centre for the Study of African Economies, University of Oxford
• International Growth Centre (IGC)

The program is conducted in collaboration with the World Bank Institute for Economic Development.

Lecturers

Participants will learn from renowned economists and data experts:

• Samuel Asher – Imperial College Business School, Development Data Lab, CEPR
• Paul Novosad – Dartmouth College, Development Data Lab

The Scientific Committee overseeing the program includes:

• Mariapia Mendola (Chair, University of Milan Bicocca, CEPR, and LdA)
• Lucia Corno (Cattolica University, LEAP and CEPR)
• Giovanna d’Adda (University of Milan and LdA)
• Andrea Guariso (University of Milan Bicocca, LdA and LEAP)
• Niccolò Meriggi (University of Oxford and IGC)
• Marco Sanfilippo (University of Turin, CCA and LdA)

Programme Overview

The Summer School offers an intensive training program designed to strengthen participants’ expertise in development economics, particularly in the application of big data and AI. The curriculum combines theoretical lectures with practical workshops and case studies.

Key objectives:

• Equip participants with advanced skills in data-driven economic analysis
• Explore the role of AI and big data in development economics research
• Provide opportunities for collaborative learning and networking among international participants
• Support participants in applying modern quantitative tools to economic development challenges

Participants are expected to attend full-time throughout the four-day program.

Application Process

Applications are open to graduate students, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers in economics with a focus on development economics.

Submission Requirements:

• Completed application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Selection Process:

• Applications will be evaluated by the Selection Committee based on academic qualifications, research interests, and experience
• Application Deadline: 4 May 2026
• Notification of Results: By 15 June 2026
• Late applications will not be considered

Applicants are encouraged to submit materials early to ensure full consideration.

Location and Facilities

The Summer School will be held at Castello di Gargonza, a medieval village and historic residence in Tuscany.

• The 13th-century hamlet is surrounded by over 600 hectares of forests, olive groves, and vineyards
• Provides on-site accommodation, lecture spaces, and dining facilities, allowing participants to focus fully on academic activities
• Situated between Siena and Arezzo, approximately 100 km southeast of Florence, offering opportunities to explore the cultural and natural heritage of Tuscany

Local logistical information, including travel and accommodation details, will be provided to confirmed participants.

Key Takeaways

Attending the Summer School enables participants to:

• Gain cutting-edge knowledge in economic development, big data, and AI applications
• Learn directly from leading academics in development economics
• Network with international peers and research professionals
• Apply new methodologies to current development challenges in practical workshops

This program provides a unique combination of theory, practice, and networking for those aiming to advance careers in academia, research, or policy-oriented roles in economics.

VIEW THE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS HERE

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the academic programmes. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.