The National Bank of Belgium NBB Research Fellowship Programme stands as a beacon of academic excellence and economic research support in Europe. With a deep commitment to promoting high-quality research that informs both monetary policy and economic governance, the NBB invites brilliant minds from around the globe to participate in this transformative opportunity. The 2025 cycle of the Fellowship Programme is currently open,

About the National Bank of Belgium

Founded in 1850, the National Bank of Belgium is the central bank of Belgium and a member of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). It plays a key role in maintaining monetary stability and financial integrity, not only within Belgium but also across the Eurozone. The NBB is widely recognized for its deep involvement in macroeconomic analysis, financial stability oversight, banking supervision, and economic research.

The Research Fellowship Programme is one of the NBB’s strategic initiatives to deepen its engagement with the academic community and to support data-driven, policy-relevant economic research. The fellowship also plays an essential role in bringing fresh perspectives into the policy discussion at the national and European levels.

Overview of the National Bank of Belgium Research Fellowship Programme

The NBB Research Fellowship Programme provides temporary research positions to outstanding scholars who are interested in conducting empirical or theoretical research in areas that align with the Bank’s strategic priorities. Fellows typically work closely with the NBB’s Research Department, gaining access to cutting-edge datasets, tools, and collaboration opportunities with in-house experts.

This prestigious programme is open to:

• Postdoctoral researchers in economics or finance
• Senior academics with established track records
• Economists working at international institutions, such as the IMF, ECB, BIS, or other central banks

Fellowships are generally offered for a duration of up to three months, though shorter or slightly longer stays may be considered depending on the project scope.

Fields of Research

The NBB actively encourages research proposals in the following areas:

• Monetary Policy and Central Banking
• Financial Stability and Macroprudential Policy
• Banking and Financial Intermediation
• Household and Firm Behavior
• Labor Markets and Wage Dynamics
• Macroeconomics and Fiscal Policy
• Climate-related Financial Risks
• Digital Finance, CBDCs, and Fintech

Fellows are expected to produce high-quality research papers that can be published in peer-reviewed journals, featured in the NBB Working Paper Series, or presented in internal or external seminars.

Harvard University Free Online Courses for All

Benefits and Opportunities

Participating in the NBB Research Fellowship Programme comes with several benefits:

1. Financial Support: Fellows receive a competitive honorarium for their research stay. Travel and accommodation expenses may also be covered, depending on individual arrangements.
2. Access to Exclusive Data: The NBB maintains a rich collection of confidential microeconomic and macroeconomic datasets, including firm-level, bank-level, and household-level data. Fellows are granted access to this data under secure conditions, enabling deep empirical research.
3. Collaboration with Leading Economists: Fellows have the unique opportunity to interact with in-house researchers and policymakers, contributing directly to the intellectual life of the Bank.
4. Presentation and Dissemination: Fellows can present their findings in NBB seminars and workshops, receive feedback from experienced researchers, and engage with a wider audience.
5. Policy Impact: Research conducted during the fellowship often informs actual policy decisions, giving fellows the satisfaction of contributing to real-world economic governance.

Application Process

Applications for the 2025 NBB Research Fellowship Programme are now open. The process is designed to be rigorous and transparent, reflecting the high standards of the institution.

Application Components:

1. Research Proposal (max 3 pages): Should clearly outline the research question, methodology, expected contribution, and how it aligns with the NBB’s research priorities.
2. Curriculum Vitae: Highlighting academic qualifications, publications, research experience, and references.
3. Preferred Fellowship Period: Applicants should specify their availability and the proposed duration of their stay.
4. Reference Letters (optional but encouraged): Especially useful for early-career researchers.

Deadline:

All application materials must be submitted by 15 September 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Applications should be sent electronically through the official NBB Research Department email or submission portal (as listed on the Bank’s official website).

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by a dedicated committee on the basis of:

• Relevance of the research topic to the NBB’s policy mandate
• Quality and originality of the proposal
• Feasibility of the project within the proposed time frame
• Potential Impact on policy and academic literature
• Track Record of the applicant (for senior fellowships)

Successful applicants will be notified by late October 2025, with fellowships expected to begin as early as January 2026

Lakehead University International Scholarships in Canada

Voices from Previous Fellows

Many past participants of the NBB Research Fellowship Programme have described the experience as both intellectually rewarding and personally fulfilling.

“The fellowship gave me unparalleled access to firm-level data and the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with researchers and policy advisors. It truly shaped my understanding of how central banks operate on the front lines of macroeconomic policy.”
– Dr. Anika Bergstrom, University of Gothenburg

“Being at the NBB helped me bridge the gap between my academic research and real-world policy. The feedback I received improved my work dramatically, and the fellowship significantly boosted my career trajectory.”
– Prof. Matteo Ricci, Bocconi University

For more details and application instructions, visit the official NBB website or contact the Research Department directly.

Final Thoughts

In an age where evidence-based policy is more critical than ever, the National Bank of Belgium Research Fellowship Programme stands out as a vital platform for academic collaboration, intellectual growth, and meaningful policy impact. By fostering partnerships between top-tier researchers and one of Europe’s most respected monetary institutions, the programme not only advances knowledge but also strengthens the link between research and real-world economics.

Whether you’re a postdoctoral researcher exploring new macroeconomic models or a seasoned academic investigating financial system resilience, the NBB Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to engage, learn, and contribute.

Don’t miss your chance—apply by 15 September 2025, and take the next step in your research career with the National Bank of Belgium.

More Scholarships:

International Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia, Canada