News

Congratulations to PhD and MA in Economics Graduates

29 May, 2025

Congratulations to all the new graduates and the very best in their future endeavors!

The 2025 PhD and MA in Economics Graduation Ceremony was held on Thursday, 28 May at 11:00 in the historic halls of Schebek Palace. Opening remarks were delivered by Marek Kapička, Director of CERGE-EI; Jan Švejnar, Chairman of the CERGE-EI Executive and Supervisory Committee; Martin Jarolím of Nadace CERGE-EI; and PhD graduate Marta Cota.

The speakers reflected on the graduates’ journeys and the responsibilities they now carry. Marek Kapička emphasized that earning a degree is a testament to perseverance, determination, and courage. He also highlighted the deeper intellectual skills gained throughout their studies: “You know what constitutes good research and genuine intellectual activity; you know how to differentiate useful and deep research from the useless and superficial, and how to conduct honest scientific inquiries.”

Jan Švejnar reminded graduates that they are now part of CERGE-EI’s diverse and influential alumni community—and that they will always be welcome to return. Martin Jarolím wished the graduates the spirit to change things for the better.

PhD graduate Marta Cota closed the ceremony with reflection of her experience in the program noting that for most of students, a PhD was a series of reality checks, steep learning curves, and, at times, diminishing returns. She also spoke of the value of mentorship: “It is not just about refining ideas—it’s about steadying someone when they’re questioning everything, including themselves. I’ll carry those conversations with me—not just into my future work, but into how I think, and how I mentor.”

She concluded her student speech by stating her belief, "Science, friendship, and care should come first."

Once again, warm congratulations to all our graduates!

Click here to see the photogallery.