5th ACES Summer School 2026: Free PhD Workshop – Apply by April 15

Deadline: April 15, 2026

Applications are now open for the 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026. This 3-day workshop targets PhD students in political economy, economic history, and development economics. The Association for Comparative Economic Studies (ACES) runs the event to share cutting-edge research. Young scholars get feedback on their ideas during mentoring sessions. They also build networks with peers and top faculty. Best of all, there is no fee to apply or attend.

Key Takeaways

• Applications for the 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026 are open until April 15, with no fee to apply or attend.
• PhD students in political economy, economic history, and development economics from any country can join for mentoring and networking.
• Top faculty from universities like Stanford, Yale, and LSE will lead sessions and provide feedback on research.
• Submit a two-page research outline and CV to [email protected] for a strong chance at selection.

The summer school offers a real boost for early-career researchers. Participants dive into key topics and refine their work. This setup helps them grow skills and connections. Later sections cover the faculty lineup, costs, who can apply, and how to submit.

The summer school brings together experts and students for focused learning. ACES designs it as a multi-day workshop. Attendees learn from leading research in political economy and related fields. They present ideas and get direct input from faculty and others. The event builds lasting ties among young scholars from around the world.

Faculty

Top names will lead the sessions. They come from world-class universities. Here is the list:

• Farzana Afridi (ISI – Delhi)
• Michael Callen (London School of Economics)
• Ruben Enikolopov (Barcelona School of Economics)
• Saumitra Jha (Stanford University)
• Horacio Larreguy (Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México)
• Sara Lowes (University of California, San Diego)
• Rohini Pande (Yale University)
• Maria Petrova (Barcelona School of Economics)
• Shaoda Wang (University of Chicago)
• Jie Zhou (Yale University)

More faculty will join soon.

Costs

ACES keeps things affordable. Check these details:

• No application or attendance fee
• Accommodation provided
• At least one meal per day
• Travel funding limited; seek options at your home institution, especially if from a low-income country

Students should plan ahead for travel.

Eligibility

PhD students in political economy, economic history, and development economics can apply. You may come from any country.

Application

Send a two-page research outline on a clear topic and your CV. Email them to Brian Deutsch at [email protected]. The cutoff is April 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Late submissions will not count.

To stand out, follow these steps:

1. Write your outline with a strong research question, methods, and expected impact. Tie it to political economy themes.
2. Update your CV to highlight relevant work and skills.
3. Proofread everything for clarity.
4. Submit early to avoid issues.

More Information

Visit the official ACES page for dates, location, and full schedule. Check there for any updates on faculty or other details.

The 5th ACES Summer School offers PhD students a great chance to share ideas, get feedback from top faculty, and build networks in political economy. With no fees, provided lodging, and meals, it’s an easy opportunity to grab. Check the official page and submit your application before April 15, 2026, to join this valuable event.

Frequently Asked Questions