The National Bank of Belgium (NBB) Research Fellowship Programme 2025 is a prestigious opportunity tailored for distinguished scholars in economics and finance across the European Union. This partially funded fellowship provides a rare chance to influence real-world policy through high-impact academic research, backed by one of Europe’s most respected central banks.
With a generous grant of €100,000 per year, the fellowship is crafted to support cutting-edge research projects over six to twelve months, with flexibility to be completed over two to three years. Selected fellows will collaborate closely with the NBB’s Economics and Research Department in Brussels, gaining first-hand exposure to the inner workings of a central bank while shaping policies that affect the Belgian and broader EU economy.
- Host Institution: National Bank of Belgium (NBB)
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
This isn’t just another academic fellowship. It’s a real-world, real-impact research opportunity. The NBB fellowship stands out for:
- Direct influence on monetary and fiscal policy
- Access to exclusive NBB data and modelling tools
- High visibility via publication in peer-reviewed journals and the NBB’s own Working Papers series
- Collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment
Benefits of the NBB Research Fellowship Programme
- Generous Grant: €100,000 per year (for six-months of research)
- Flexible Timeline: Projects can span two to three years, with up to 12 months of total research time
- Expense Coverage: Travel, accommodation, and conference fees
- Publication Opportunity: Submit to high-impact journals and the NBB’s own Working Papers series
- Event Hosting: Organize one workshop or training event at the NBB
- Research Collaboration: Work with central bank professionals and policy experts
- Networking: Join academic and policy events at national and EU levels
This fellowship doesn’t just boost your academic profile—it enhances your policy influence, institutional collaborations, and exposure to top-tier economic research networks.
Eligibility Criteria for the NBB Fellowship 2025
To be considered for this prestigious opportunity, applicants must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of an EU Member State
- Be legally eligible to work in the European Union
- Hold a professorial role (assistant, associate, full, or visiting) at an EU-based university
- Have an active research profile with a strong publication record
Preferred Research Domains
Research must fall under one of the following themes:
- Agent Heterogeneity
- Transmission of shocks through agents
- Aggregation from micro to macro
- Network-based economics
- Climate Change & Green Transition
- Climate policy impact
- Electricity markets and green economy
- Digitalisation & AI
- AI’s influence on labor and firm dynamics
- Policy regulation for digital economies
- International Trade & Financial Risks
- Geopolitical and supply chain risks
- International monetary systems
- Macroeconomic Policy Design
- Coordination of fiscal and monetary policy
- Agent expectations in economic models
Both theoretical and empirical methodologies are welcomed.
Required Documents for NBB Fellowship Application
Make sure your application includes the following:
Mandatory:
- Detailed CV including publication history
- One-page Research Proposal aligned with NBB priority areas
- Preferred Timeframe for conducting your research
Optional:
- Proposal for hosting a related event/workshop at the NBB
Format: Submit documents in PDF format, clearly titled, and send them via email to the following contacts:
- Catherine Fuss – catherine.fuss@nbb.be
- Raf Wouters – rafael.wouters@nbb.be
Application Timeline for NBB Research Fellowship
- Application Deadline: 15 September 2025
- Selection Outcome: October 2025
- Research Period: Flexible over 2–3 years (up to 12 months total)
⌚ Pro tip: Submit your application early and clearly define your research goals to stand out.
How to Apply for the NBB Fellowship Programme
Follow these steps to submit your application successfully:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare your documents: Make sure your CV, research proposal, and any event proposals are ready in PDF format.
- Highlight relevance: Your proposal should directly address at least one of the NBB’s priority areas.
- Email Submission: Send all documents to both Catherine Fuss and Raf Wouters.
- Await feedback: The Fellowship Committee will review submissions based on merit, policy relevance, and innovation.
- Results Announcement: Successful applicants will be notified in October 2025.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Don’t exceed the proposal length (1 page)
- Align your research with NBB focus areas
- Ensure your CV reflects your academic leadership
- Double-check eligibility before applying
FAQs about the NBB Research Fellowship
Q1: Is IELTS required?
No. There is no IELTS requirement since applicants must already be based in the EU academic system.
Q2: Can I apply if I’m not an EU citizen?
Only EU citizens or permanent residents legally eligible to work in the EU may apply.
Q3: Can I work remotely?
Fellows are expected to work at the NBB premises in Brussels, though the schedule is flexible across 2–3 years.
Q4: Can I combine this with another grant?
No. This fellowship cannot be combined with other financial support or contracts with the NBB.
Final Thoughts on the NBB Research Fellowship
The NBB Research Fellowship Programme 2025 is a gateway to transforming rigorous economic research into real-world policy. If you’re a scholar ready to collaborate, influence, and innovate at the highest level, this is your moment.
Submit your application now before the deadline closes. Don’t miss this opportunity to study in Belgium.