About & FAQs

 Contact information: milanphdecon@gmail.com

Q: Is there a participation or attendance fee?
A: No. Attendance and participation is free for (and limited to) all students enrolled in or visiting to Bocconi University, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Politecnico di Milano, University of Milan, University of Milan-Bicocca and University of Pavia.

Q: Can I submit an application to present even if I only have a research idea?
A: Absolutely! In fact, one of our primary goals is to have PhD students who are in the very early stages of their research to attend and participate. Sharing your ideas and receiving feedback, especially in the early stages, from peers and faculty is essential to develop a good research question. Furthermore, you may find someone with similar research interests to you -- a potential co-author to do more work with!

Q: Do I need to be doing a PhD in Economics?
A: No. You just need to be doing a PhD in a field related to Economics (e.g. Accounting, Finance, Management and so on).

Q: My research is not conventionally "economics". Can I still submit an application present?
A: Yes. Our categories are very broad (e.g. we want both theoretical and/or applied research). To assist us in setting up collaborative sessions, please indicate which broad Economics category you think your research presentation should be in -- even if it's tangentially related.

Q: What if I'm in my penultimate or final year of the PhD -- or what if I'm a postdoctoral researcher -- can I submit an application?
A: Absolutely. While we may prioritise PhD students in their 2nd or 3rd year, we value students who are in the later stages of their research. Feedback is vital -- no matter how experienced you are.

Q: This sounds interesting but I'm really busy with research and study as it is. Why should I try and participate or attend?
A: There are many reasons, but briefly: As mentioned, feedback from peers and faculty is valuable; albeit quite hard to receive. So take the opportunity to seek it. Secondly, research -- especially in economics -- is more and more becoming a collaborative exercise. Scanning the "top 5" journals (e.g. American Economic Review, Quarterly Journal of Economics, Econometrica and so on) reveals that most papers are a product of collaboration and co-authorship. Working with your peers and developing professional and personal relationships is very important. Finally, succeeding in the economics job market is highly dependent on two factors: (i) having a very good research question with a clear and scientifically precise answer, and (ii) being able to deliver and explain to other researchers why your research is important and interesting. Participating in events like this workshop or conferences where you can develop your presentation skills and charisma in front of others is vital. The best research in the world is nearly useless if the researcher lacks communication skills to explain to other researchers -- especially those in different fields (as will be the case on the job market) -- why they should care!

 Contact information: milanphdecon@gmail.com