BCRA launches 18th 'Dr. Raúl Prebisch' economic research award
The Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) has opened the call for the 18th edition of its 'Dr. Raúl Prebisch' Economic Research Award. The competition invites university students, young professionals, and PhD candidates to submit papers on central banking topics by September 30, 2026.
Three categories, broad themes
The 2026 edition of the award features three categories: University Students, Young Professionals, and PhD Theses.
The first two categories focus on monetary, banking, payments, exchange, financial, or macroeconomic issues, applicable to Argentina or internationally.
For PhD Theses, priority is given to work relevant, pertinent, and original to the BCRA's objectives.
Eligibility for University Students requires active enrollment in an economics or related field at an Argentine university, with no degree issued by May 31, 2026.
Young Professionals must have graduated in economics or a related field from an Argentine university after May 31, 2021.
PhD Theses must have been approved between 2020 and 2026 by Argentine universities, or by foreign universities for Argentine citizens.
Submission rules and AI guidelines
Participants must submit their work via an online form on the BCRA's website, using a pseudonym to ensure anonymity.
The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2026.
The BCRA will announce the selected papers and the award ceremony, scheduled for December 2026.
A key addition this year includes guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools: AI cannot be listed as an author or co-author, and its use must not replace intellectual contribution.
Authors must declare AI tool usage and its purpose at the end of their work, or detail it in the methodology if used for research.
The jury, comprising BCRA and university experts, will conduct plagiarism and AI usage checks.
Fostering economic thought
This award provides a crucial platform for emerging economists in Argentina and abroad, encouraging research into central banking's evolving challenges.
Its long-standing tradition underscores the BCRA's commitment to academic engagement and policy-relevant analysis.
The substantial prize money further incentivizes high-quality contributions to the field.