5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026: Free PhD Workshop with Top Experts

Deadline: April 15, 2026

Key Takeaways

• This free 3-day workshop provides hands-on mentoring and feedback from leading faculty for PhD students in political economy, economic history, or development economics.
• ACES covers accommodation and at least one meal per day, with limited travel funding available.
• Eligibility is open to PhD students worldwide, making it a diverse gathering of young scholars.
• Submit a two-page research outline and CV by April 15, 2026, to [email protected] for consideration.

Applications are now open for the 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026. This free event gives PhD students a chance to learn about cutting-edge research. It offers hands-on mentorship and networking with top experts. If you study political economy, economic history, or development economics, this is your shot to get feedback on your work and build connections.

This article covers key details about the event. You will find info on the program, faculty list, costs, who can apply, and how to submit your application.

The Association for Comparative Economic Studies (ACES) runs this 3-day workshop. It brings together young scholars for instruction and guidance from experienced faculty. Participants dive into the latest ideas in political economy, economic history, and development economics.

You get small-group mentoring sessions. Faculty and other students give feedback on your research ideas. The event also helps you meet peers with similar interests. Check the official ACES page for any updates on location or schedule.

These sessions stand out because they focus on real feedback. You can refine your work in a supportive setting. Plus, the networking opens doors for future projects.

Leading faculty will guide the sessions. Here is the list of confirmed experts and their schools:

• 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 be announced soon.

Costs

• No fee to apply or attend the Summer School.
• ACES covers accommodation and at least one meal each day.
• Travel funding is limited, especially for students from low-income countries. It is not guaranteed, so check with your home institution for support.

Many PhD programs offer travel grants. Look into those options early to cover your trip.

Eligibility

• Open to PhD students in political economy, economic history, or development economics.
• Applicants from anywhere in the world can join.

This setup welcomes global talent. It makes the event diverse and rich in ideas.

Application

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

For full details or an application form, visit the official ACES page.

Past summer schools have led to strong networks and research progress for many attendees. They build skills and connections that last. Check the official site for links to earlier events.

The 5th ACES Summer School offers PhD students a rare chance to get expert feedback, build networks, and advance their research in political economy, economic history, or development economics. With no fees and support for meals and lodging, it’s an accessible opportunity for global scholars. Apply by April 15, 2026, via the official ACES page to join this valuable event.

Frequently Asked Questions