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Discover Careers in Economic Research: CERGE-EI Festival

24 October, 2025

In early December, CERGE-EI opens its doors to all those curious about what the study of economics means today. The CERGE-EI Festival, taking place on December 4, 2025, invites prospective students, faculty, and alumni to spend a day exploring the various ways in which economic research builds foundations for future career paths.

Far from being a purely theoretical discipline, economics here reveals itself as a powerful way of thinking — a means to understand human behavior, shape policy, and address the complex challenges of our time.

The morning program, Economic Research Matters, begins with registration and coffee, followed by a keynote address from Anita Taci, Deputy Director for Impact at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and a proud CERGE-EI alumna. Her career embodies the Festival’s spirit: how rigorous economic training can lead to meaningful global influence.

The first panel, From Curiosity to Academia, offers a closer look into the intellectual journeys of CERGE-EI professors Štěpán Jurajda and Jan Zápal. They will share how their early research questions evolved into lifelong projects, illustrating how economists turn abstract curiosity into tangible contributions to society.

Participants will then have a chance to engage directly with alumni during the Career Stories Roundtables. In these small-group discussions, guests can explore three paths that CERGE-EI graduates often take: academic research, policy and expertise, and the private sector. Whether listening to Marta Cota describing her academic life in Portugal, hearing IMF consultant Tomáš Konečný reflecting on policymaking, or discovering how data scientist Ilir Maçi applies economics in the tech world, visitors will gain a 360° view of where economic thinking can lead.

After a networking lunch, the afternoon program, How We Do It, offers a hands-on introduction to the economist’s craft. Participants will be able to join interactive workshops showing how economic research actually happens — from developing a good idea to analyzing data and communicating results effectively. Dali Laxton will guide participants through the creative process of formulating research questions, while Yaroslav Korobka will demonstrate how data shapes the answers. In another session, Deborah Nováková will teach how to present ideas concisely and persuasively — an essential skill for both academia and professional life.

Later, visitors can learn more about both the structure and culture of CERGE-EI’s graduate programs. The session PhD in Economic Research & Master in Economic Research introduces the institute’s two flagship programs, emphasizing the combination of academic rigor, mentorship, and international perspective that has built CERGE-EI’s reputation.

The day continues with an informal Faculty & Student Experience coffee session, offering prospective students the chance to ask questions about studying, living, and thriving in the CERGE-EI community. Discussions will range from research interests and study-abroad experiences to practical advice on applying.

While the main Festival welcomes everyone curious about economics, the day also offers a special track for alumni — A Community That Matters. Starting with a welcome coffee, alumni will gather for Economics of Flourishing, a series of TEDx-style talks exploring how economics contributes to human well-being in a rapidly changing world. Speakers such as Liyousew Gebremedhin Borga, Liubomyr Bregman, and Vladimír Novák will reflect on how their work connects research, data, and policy to the broader idea of societal progress. A panel discussion on Professional Perspectives follows, where alumni with diverse careers share insights and challenges from their professional paths. The afternoon concludes with a discussion on CERGE-EI’s future and how the alumni network can continue to support the institute’s mission, before they gather for an alumni dinner.

As day turns to evening, the festival gets more informal in the CERGE-EI Beer Party & Networking, where new acquaintances, old friends, and inspiring stories come together. It’s a celebration of sharp minds, global thinking, and the spirit of a community that continues to grow and give back.