IZA SUMMER SCHOOL · IZA Summer School in Labour Economics

Final Activity Report Summary - IZA SUMMER SCHOOL (IZA summer school in labour economics)

The main aims of the IZA 'European summer school in labour economics' have been met, namely: 1. To provide world class advanced training for researchers in the early stage of their careers: The selection of lecturers and the selection of students were major aspects for promoting the quality of this series of events. The Summer Schools brought together world renowned scientists undertaking innovative work in their fields to lecture on the newest theories and empirical approaches in labour economics and interact with over 140 of the most promising students engaged in the preparation of their Ph.D.'s. 2. To develop research competencies and complementary skills of the participants, and improve their career prospects: The young researchers participating benefited from lectures by leading world experts, a learning experience that consumed half of the time they spent in the Summer School. The rest of the time, they presented and discussed their own work with other students, the lecturers and a number of other prominent senior researchers invited by the organisers of the Summer School, with whom the students could discuss their own work in a relaxed and open atmosphere. The format of these presentations helped improve the skills of the students in presenting their own work and discussing the work of others. Compared to students in the U.S. and Canada, European graduate students in Economics often receive no or only insufficient training in presenting their work, discussing the work of other researchers, and disseminating their results to policy-makers and the public, a gap that the Summer Schools contributes to fill. The knowledge transmitted and the development of the communication and knowledge-sharing skills of the participants are two aspects of the training that will be major assets in their future careers. To further support the career of the participants, IZA engaged in additional activities that went beyond the mere organisation of the events. Outstanding participants identified during the Summer Schools were nominated to become IZA research affiliates, which enables them to publish their scientific work in the IZA Discussion Paper Series (a widely distributed research outlet for scientific research in labour economics), to participate actively in the research network of IZA and at the various workshops and conferences organised by IZA. IZA also involves Summer School participants in international research projects of IZA. 3. To encourage the creation of research networks that can contribute to enhance European competitiveness: The contact building and team spirit that is developed by intense work and social interaction during a week proved fruitful in promoting international cooperation, giving the Ph.D. students the opportunity to establish a network of young researchers with similar interests on a European level and/or get affiliated with existing international networks. 4. To focus on issues relevant from a policy point of view, combining strong European contents and innovative scientific approaches: The scientists selected for lecturing have provided path-breaking contributions in different areas where the European Union faces key challenges.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union