Application Guide

How to Apply for VIsiting Fellowships

at Bruegel

🏢 About Bruegel

Bruegel is Europe's leading economic think tank, known for its independent, evidence-based research that directly influences EU policy-making. Unlike academic institutions, Bruegel bridges research and real-world policy impact, offering a unique platform for researchers to engage with policymakers, media, and global stakeholders. Working here means contributing to shaping European economic debates at the highest levels.

About This Role

As a Visiting Fellow at Bruegel, you'll conduct independent research projects aligned with their current programme while immersing yourself in their collaborative intellectual environment. This role involves developing and executing your own research proposals that contribute to Bruegel's policy-relevant output, with your work potentially influencing European economic discourse. You'll have the opportunity to engage with Bruegel's network of experts while advancing your research agenda.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning research on your independent project, followed by attending Bruegel's internal seminars or policy briefings to stay current on European economic developments. Afternoons could include collaborative sessions with Bruegel researchers, reviewing draft policy papers, or preparing presentations of your work for internal discussion. You'd likely participate in regular knowledge-sharing activities while advancing your research agenda in Bruegel's dynamic, policy-focused environment.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Bruegel Is Looking For

  • A researcher from another institute, university, or organization with a proven track record of policy-relevant economic research
  • Someone who can propose specific, timely research projects that align with Bruegel's current research priorities and European policy debates
  • A collaborative scholar who actively contributes to intellectual exchange and can clearly articulate how their research fits within Bruegel's ecosystem
  • An organized professional who can provide comprehensive application materials and has a clear fellowship timeline that maximizes their contribution

📝 Tips for Applying to Bruegel

1

Explicitly align your research proposal with Bruegel's current research programme themes - don't submit generic economic research

2

Demonstrate how your existing research has policy relevance or real-world impact, not just academic merit

3

Include a specific, realistic fellowship timeline showing when you'd be available and how you'd structure your time at Bruegel

4

Choose a writing sample that showcases both your research rigor and your ability to communicate complex ideas accessibly

5

Research and mention specific Bruegel publications or researchers whose work connects to your proposed project

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain specifically how your research interests align with Bruegel's current research programme and European policy priorities", "Demonstrate your understanding of Bruegel's unique position as a bridge between research and policy-making", "Articulate what you hope to contribute to Bruegel's intellectual environment and what you hope to gain from the fellowship", "Provide a clear timeline for your proposed fellowship period and how you'd structure your research activities"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Bruegel's current research programme priorities and recent flagship publications
  • → The specific European policy debates where Bruegel has recently been influential
  • → Bruegel's key researchers in your field and their recent work
  • → How Bruegel differs from academic institutions in its approach to research dissemination and policy engagement

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How your proposed research project addresses current European economic challenges and aligns with Bruegel's priorities
2 Examples of how you've previously contributed to collaborative research environments or intellectual communities
3 Your approach to making complex economic research accessible to policymakers and the public
4 How you would engage with Bruegel's existing research staff and contribute to ongoing projects
5 Your plan for disseminating research findings and creating policy impact during and after the fellowship
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic research proposal that doesn't specifically address European economic issues or Bruegel's focus areas
  • Failing to demonstrate how your research connects to real-world policy impact or Bruegel's mission
  • Providing vague timelines or unclear plans for how you'd engage with Bruegel's community during your fellowship

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Bruegel!

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