Applications Open: 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026 – Deadline April 15

Applications are now open for the 5th ACES Summer School in Political Economy 2026. The deadline is April 15, 2026. This 3-day workshop targets PhD students. It offers research feedback, mentorship, and networking in political economy, economic history, and development economics. The article covers the program overview, faculty, costs, eligibility, and application process.

The Association for Comparative Economic Studies (ACES) runs this summer school as a multi-day workshop. Experienced faculty provide instruction and mentorship. Participants learn about cutting-edge research in key fields. They get feedback on their research ideas during focused sessions with faculty and other students. The event also helps build networks with young scholars in political economy and related areas.

Here are the main benefits:

• Feedback on research ideas from faculty and peers.
• Direct interactions with expert mentors.
• Networking with other PhD students in the field.
• Exposure to the latest research in political economy, economic history, and development economics.

The faculty leading sessions bring top expertise. More names will be announced soon. Here is the current list:

• Farzana Afridi (ISI – Delhi): Expert in development economics.
• Michael Callen (London School of Economics): Focuses on political economy.
• Ruben Enikolopov (Barcelona School of Economics): Studies economic and political links.
• Saumitra Jha (Stanford University): Works on economic history.
• Horacio Larreguy (Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México): Researches development topics.
• Sara Lowes (University of California, San Diego): Explores economic history and culture.
• Rohini Pande (Yale University): Specializes in development economics.
• Maria Petrova (Barcelona School of Economics): Examines political economy issues.
• Shaoda Wang (University of Chicago): Focuses on environmental and development economics.
• Jie Zhou (Yale University): Studies political economy dynamics.

No fee applies to submit an application or attend the summer school. ACES covers accommodation and at least one meal each day. The group tries to help with travel costs, especially for students from low-income countries. Still, do not count on travel funding from ACES. Look for support from your home institution.

Here is a quick breakdown:

• Covered by ACES: Application fee (none), attendance fee (none), accommodation, at least one daily meal.
• Plan for yourself: Most travel costs; seek other funding sources.

PhD students from anywhere in the world can apply. You need interest in political economy, economic history, or development economics. The program welcomes applicants globally to encourage diverse ideas.

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Prepare a two-page research outline on a specific topic.
2. Prepare your CV.
3. Email both to Brian Deutsch, Coordinator of Membership Services, at [email protected].

The deadline is April 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Applications after that will not be reviewed. For more details, check the official summer school page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the 5th ACES Summer School?

PhD students from anywhere in the world with interest in political economy, economic history, or development economics can apply.

What costs does ACES cover?

There are no application or attendance fees; ACES provides accommodation and at least one meal each day, but travel costs are mostly on you.

How do I apply?

Prepare a two-page research outline and your CV, then email them to [email protected] by April 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST.

What benefits does the summer school offer?

You get feedback on your research from faculty and peers, direct mentorship, networking with other PhD students, and exposure to cutting-edge research.