World Trade Organization (WTO), Switzerland - Essay Award for Young Economists

WTO Essay Award for Young Economists

The author of the best economics essay on the topic of trade policy and international trade cooperation will receive a one-off prize of about 5,300 EUR (CHF 5,000). If two or more people have co-authored the winning entry, the prize money will be divided equally amongst them. The winner will also receive a travel grant to attend the award ceremony. This takes place every year in September as part of the European Trade Study Group (ETSG) conference, the largest gathering on the subject of international trade. The prize is sponsored by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and has been awarded annually since 2009. The winning paper may also be published in the WTO’s Working Paper series.

Who can apply

• Topic: Your essay deals with trade policy and international trade cooperation.
• Degree: You hold a PhD or are about to complete your PhD.
• Age and timing: If you are older than 30, no more than two years may have passed since you obtained your PhD.
• Co-authors: If several people are working on the paper together, each author must adhere to the guidelines regarding length and the deadline.
• Length: Your essay is no longer than 15,000 words.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. The WTO particularly encourages women and people from developing countries to take part.

How to apply

Please email your essay to the WTO, together with a brief CV. Your CV should include your current institution, the university where you obtained (or are currently working towards) your PhD, the year you were awarded your PhD, and your date of birth. The deadline for submissions is usually around the beginning of June each year. The WTO Secretariat draws up a shortlist, and a panel of trade economists selects the winner. Only authors who have been shortlisted will be contacted.

How realistic are your chances?

This is an annual prize awarded for the best essay, which is assessed by a panel of leading trade economists. The competition is very tough, and previous winners have come from top universities. To stand out from the crowd, your paper must be an original, high-quality piece of research that deals directly with trade policy. If you can submit a compelling, finished paper that is precisely on topic, it is worth taking part – though you should regard a win as a genuine achievement rather than a likely outcome.