Successful conclusion of the first edition of the Honors Program

The Honors Program considered by participants a unique, confidence-gaining experience

The first edition of the Honors Program of the Institute of Economics and Econometrics has come to an end, as the GSEM is wrapping up the Spring semester. Designed to allow undergraduates to conduct academic research in the fields of economics and econometrics, this program has offered a valuable and unique experience to students and professors alike.

Five students in the final year of their Bachelor were enrolled in the program. They appreciated this unique experience performing research work, in close collaboration with the Institute’s faculty. Selina Lehmann describes it as one of the most valuable experiences of her Bachelor’s degree. In particular, she praises the position of assistant of research offered by the program, like Vincent Pallud who estimates that this position “opens the gates to the academic world which seems so inaccessible”. For Yasmine Frizlen, this program not only deepened her knowledge in economics, but also allowed her to create invaluable connections with experts in the field. The program may well have sparked vocations: Ekaterina Rebinskaya says that it helped her to better understand what she wants to do in the future. “Challenging and intellectually stimulating”, says Ludovic Nicoud who appreciated attending the Institute's weekly research seminars where internationally renowned professors present their work.

Prof. Frédéric Robert-Nicoud, their supervisor in the program, confirms that selected students had a lot work, but managed to perform well thanks to their talent and motivation. “This program aims at valuing talent and research”, he explains, hoping that participants gained confidence in their ability to pursue an academic career. Prof. Giacomo De Giorgi, Director of the IEE and program co-organizer, emphasizes that the Institute's faculty was fortunate to have such exceptional students as colleagues for the year. “The program has proven a great success, on par with top institutions worldwide”, he continues. The honors will now continue forward in their path, some of them attending one of the highest ranked masters in economics at the London School of Economics. The Institute has already planned a second edition of the Honors Program for the next academic year.