CERGE-EI Festival: Discover Careers in Economic Research
The CERGE-EI Festival is a community event that brings together faculty, alumni, and students to show prospective students from diverse backgrounds what an education in economics can empower us to achieve. Economic research is not just about theory and models — it’s a powerful toolkit for understanding human behavior, shaping public policy, improving markets, and addressing complex global challenges.
Whether you study Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Finance, or the Social Sciences — if you’re curious about the world and its challenges, this day is for you. Discover why an economics education matters, connect with our vibrant alumni network, and explore how studying at CERGE-EI could be your next big step. The Festival is also an opportunity for CERGE-EI alumni to reconnect, share their experiences, and contribute to the institute’s ongoing development and future growth.
Program (December 4, 2025)
Morning: Economic Research Matters
10:00 – 10:30 | Registration & Welcome Coffee
10:30 – 11:00 | Keynote from a CERGE-EI alumna
11:00 – 11:50 | From Curiosity to Academia: Faculty Talks
Three of CERGE-EI’s leading professors share their personal journeys — from their first research questions to the discoveries that inspire them today. Get a glimpse into what drives top researchers and how their work addresses the changes of today’s world.
11:50 – 13:00 | Career Stories Roundtables
Small-group conversations with CERGE-EI alumni working in academia, policy, and the private sector. Hear their stories, ask your questions, and rotate between tables for a 360° view of economic research in action.
- Academic Research – Universities and research institutes
- Policy & Expertise – Central banks, international organizations, think tanks, government
- Private Sector – Tech, data, finance, risk, consulting, and corporate strategy
13:00 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch
Afternoon: How We Do It
Part for Festival Participants
14:00 – 15:00 | Parallel Workshops: Thinking Like a Research Economist
Get hands-on experience with what researchers actually do. This interactive session will show participants the analytical and creative skills that define great economic research (and might be useful for your Bachelor or Masters thesis).
- Coming Up with a Research Idea
- Data Workshop
- Presenting Your Research Idea Effectively in Five Minutes
15:00 – 15:30 | Coffee & Networking
15:30 – 16:15 | PhD in Economic Research & Master in Economic Research
Get an inside look at what a rigorous and internationally recognized PhD program and our policy-oriented Master in Economic Research program look like. Learn how our intensive training, faculty mentorship, and excellence-driven research culture prepare graduates for global careers in academia, policy, and industry.
16:15 – 17:00 | Office Hours: Faculty & Student Experience
Informal one-on-one conversations — your chance to ask anything.
- Research: Meet faculty and talk academic interests
- Mobilities: Study abroad and exchange experiences
- Student Life: Ask current PhD students about day-to-day life
- Applications: Get tips from the Study Affairs Office team on applying successfully
Part for CERGE-EI Alumni: A Community That Matters
(Please note that this part is for the alumni community only)
14:00 – 15:00 | Snapshot: Economics of Flourishing
TEDx-style talks by CERGE-EI alumni and faculty members exploring how economic research can help societies thrive in an age of change.
15:00 – 15:45 | Panel Discussion: Personal Perspectives
An opportunity to share how alumni understanding of success and purpose has evolved.
15:45 – 16:15 | Coffee & Networking
16:15 – 17:00 | Discussion with the Director
Discussion on the future of the alumni program and alumni involvement in CERGE-EI future endeavours.
17:00 | Alumni Dinner
Evening: Celebrate Together
18:00 | CERGE-EI Beer Party & Networking
Ready to Join? Register now and secure your spot. You can apply for a travel costs reimbursement of up to 50 EUR (applications are considered on the first come, first served basis).
For more information, please contact us at
