Workshop for Early-Stage Scholars in Economics

The workshop for Early-Stage Scholars in Economics (ESSE), organised by the Centre for Study of the Indian Economy (CSIE) and the Economics group at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Azim Premji University, seeks to bring together early stage PhD scholars in Economics from universities across India.  The workshop aims to support scholars in developing their research, strengthening their research practices, and building the skills needed to navigate an academic career.


While many academic workshops focus on the presentation of advanced or completed research work, there is a gap in initiatives that address the needs of scholars at the beginning of their doctoral training. The ESSE workshop seeks to fill this gap by focusing on foundational skills and practices that undergird good research. These include effective approaches to working with and managing data, conducting productive literature reviews, communicating research, and building a professional research profile.

The workshop will be conducted over four days and will combine lectures, hands-on sessions, interactive discussions, and presentations by participants. There are two main components to the workshop:

Thematic/​technical sessions will expose scholars to economic theory, research techniques, tools, and approaches that are increasingly relevant to empirical research in economics. Depending on the workshop cohort, these may include theoretical methods, econometric methods, GIS and spatial analysis, survey design, doing fieldwork and data collection, and other quantitative or computational tools. 

Research methods sessions will focus on equipping scholars with best practices when doing research – data organisation, literature review, and use of relevant software, as well as building their research profile.

Through this combination of technical training and research-practice sessions, the ESSE platform seeks to create an inclusive learning forum for early-stage PhD scholars in economics across India. The workshop aims to help participants develop professional skills and networks that will support their transition into the academic job market and other research-oriented careers.

When

The workshop is scheduled for 13th to 17th of December 2026, at the Azim Premji University, Bengaluru Campus. 

Deadline for applying: 27 Sept 2026

Selected candidates will be notified by mid– October.

Eligibility criteria

  • Early-stage PhD scholars in economics
  • Candidates who have completed coursework (if any), and have a draft research proposal

How to apply

The workshop will host approximately 10 – 12 participants. Interested participants are expected to:

  • Submit details in this Google Form
  • Upload an academic CV indicating the year of starting PhD

Selection will be based on motivation, stage of research, and expected benefit from participation.

Logistics and financial support

All selected participants will receive:

  • Travel reimbursement (as per institutional norms)
  • Accommodation and food

Organising committee