The Graduate Center of Economic and Social Research at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) welcomes applications from highly qualified postgraduated students from all over the world to attend its structured doctoral training program in economics and social sciences.

Applicants must hold a MA degree or a diploma in economics, business and administration or social sciences in order to apply. Degrees from other related fields (such as civil engineering or statistics) also fulfil the admission requirements of the program. Students with a degree in economics follow the economic track that leads to a PhD in economics; students with a degree in sociology follow a social science track which leads to a PhD in sociology. There is a number of core courses that both groups of students will attend.

The German Institute of Economic Research DIW Berlin is one of the leading economic research institutes in Germany. We are an independent, non-profit institute involved in economic research, service and policy advice. We co-operate closely with universities in Berlin and Brandenburg and in international academic networks.

The goal of Graduate Center’s activities is to provide outstanding doctoral students with a research environment and a training structure that will develop their talents in an accordingly exemplary manner. It leads them to a deep understanding of economic and social processes and offers them the opportunity to apply their knowledge within the professional research environment of one of the leading economic think tanks in Germany. The 3-year program follows a dual training approach. It offers
 

• high-level core and field courses in the first year
• one research internship in Berlin
• a three month stay in Washington DC including advanced courses by US-based scholars and research activities at international renowned think tanks
• on-the-job training within research projects of the DIW Berlin in the 2. and 3. year.

After successfully finishing the programme students have submitted a number of papers to refereed scientific journals. They will receive a certificate confirming participation together with a doctoral degree.

The Graduate Center offers a scholarship of 1000€ per month in the first year to each doctoral student admitted. After successful completion of the first year the doctoral students are assigned to the research departments of the Institute. Research positions are offered depending on the volume of research projects under work.

Deadline of Application: April 15, 2009

Application procedure and further information:
Please contact our website: http://www.diw.de/deutsch/karriere/graduate_center/27294.html