ZEW-CDSE Summer Courses: Focus on Scientific Methods
Dates and NewsScientific Qualification in Cooperation with the University of Mannheim
In the summer semester of 2024, ZEW Mannheim once again offered summer courses for PhD students on the doctoral track, held by internationally recognised professors. More than 50 young researchers from ZEW and the University of Mannheim took part in five courses on current economic topics and used the opportunity to exchange ideas and expand their networks. The ZEW Summer Courses, funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg, are part of a close cooperation with the University of Mannheim within the PhD track of the Center for Doctoral Studies in Economics (CDSE).
ZEW President Professor Achim Wambach expressed his satisfaction with the success of the summer courses: “Our summer courses were once again very popular this year. The participants particularly appreciate the intensive personal exchange with renowned lecturers in a pleasant atmosphere. We would like to thank the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and Arts for its long-standing support of this joint programme of ZEW and the University of Mannheim.”
Scientific methods in focus
This year’s summer courses offered a wide range of topics centred on scientific research methods. From June onwards, the ZEW Summer Courses were held by five distinguished external professors from international universities.
Professor David A. Jaeger from the University of St. Andrews in the UK started the series with a course on econometric identification strategies. He provided a practical overview of how to conduct applied economic research, with the aim of helping participants develop a well-founded research idea. Professor Nicolas Schutz from the University of Mannheim gave a comprehensive introduction to applied theory for empirical researchers.
Professor Hans-Martin von Gaudecker from the University of Bonn gave a course on effective programming for economists, focusing on the reproducibility of research projects using Python and Git, as well as the general use of effective coding and software tools.
Professor Michael Lechner from the University of St. Gallen offered a course on causal machine learning, a highly relevant topic in the field of artificial intelligence. The programme concluded with Professor Erik Snowberg from the University of Utah, who gave a course on experimental methods, focusing on designing one’s own experiments.
The ZEW Summer Courses of 2024 weren’t just about expanding knowledge; they also provided a platform for networking. Through an intense week of courses and informal gatherings, participants engaged in diverse exchanges with fellow students, professors, and ZEW researchers.
The ZEW Summer Courses are elective block courses aimed at supporting doctoral students with their thesis. What sets them apart is that ZEW and University of Mannheim’s PhD students have the chance to partake in these courses during the summer break, from late June to August. These courses, led by esteemed international professors, serve to enrich the already diverse range of offerings within the University of Mannheim’s economics doctoral programme.
