PhD Scholarships in Applied Economics and Economic History: The Age of Creativity – Understanding How Creativity Persists into Later Life

The Department of Economics at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is offering one or more PhD scholarships as part of the Carlsberg Foundation-funded project, The Age of Creativity: Understanding How Creativity Persists into Later Life . These positions are based at SDU’s Odense campus and are affiliated with the Historical Economics and Development Group (HEDG), a leading European center for quantitative research in economic history and the economics of the arts. Successful candidates will join a vibrant, international research environment where English is the working language. HEDG is renowned for its strong research profile, external funding, and publications in top academic outlets. The group is expanding, offering an active academic community and opportunities for collaboration with national and international researchers. The project investigates how creativity evolves and persists into older age, focusing on when creativity peaks, why it endures, and the personal, social, and institutional factors that support lifelong creative productivity. Using large-scale longitudinal data on artists and academic scholars, the research applies advanced econometric and demographic methods to analyze creative productivity, originality, and influence over time. The findings will contribute to scientific understanding and policy debates on innovation, aging, and lifelong productivity. Applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree in economics, mathematics and economics, or related disciplines, with solid knowledge of econometrics and quantitative methods. Strong English skills, both spoken and written, are required, as are good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Experience with economic history, cultural economics, demographic methods, longitudinal data analysis, or empirical research is advantageous. The position is fully funded as a paid PhD fellowship under Danish collective agreements, with support from the Carlsberg Foundation. The starting date is flexible, with a preferred start of September 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically and include a motivational letter, detailed CV, certified degree certificates, ECTS grade translation, and a project description. All documents should be in PDF or Word format and translated into English if not in Danish. The application deadline is April 27, 2026 . For further information, contact Head of Administration Astrid Holm Nielsen at [email protected] . For technical support, email [email protected] . Apply online using the provided link and consult the guidelines for applicants to ensure your submission is complete.