Adam Smith Prize (APEE)
Adam Smith is widely considered to be the father of economics. His seminal work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, published in 1776, is seen as the cornerstone of modern classical economic theory and among the most influential books ever written. As such, it is of no surprise that there are various organizations that seek to honor Adam Smith’s achievements and promote the study of economics. One such organization is the Adam Smith Prize in Economics Endowment (APEE).
APEE was established in 2004 by the Adam Smith Foundation in order to encourage and reward young students of economics. It is an international award for the best undergraduate dissertation in the field of economics that follows the principles and spirit of Adam Smith. Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded 35 successful dissertations from the United States, United Kingdom, China, Italy, Canada, and France, making it a truly global program.
To be eligible for the Adam Smith Prize, students must be enrolled on an economics course in a recognized higher education institution as an undergrad student. Also, their dissertation must be a maximum of 15,000 words, outlining the research and analysis of a particular economic problem relevant to an area of economics. Each year, the award panel reviews a large number of applications and selects a winner based on the best submission.
In addition to providing an excellent learning opportunity, the Adam Smith Prize also offers the winner a variety of other benefits. Each winner receives a monetary award of £2,500 which is to be used to further their studies. They also receive a certificate, and are invited to participate in a three-day workshop in London, facilitated by the Foundation and subject experts in the field of economics. The program includes individual meetings with scholars, practitioners, and government officials.
Furthermore, the winner is invited to the Annual Adam Smith Prize Dinner in London, which takes place at the British Academy on the first Saturday of October each year. The dinner brings together notable figures from the business community, the private sector and academia, enabling them to discuss important issues and developments in the world of economics.
Finally, the winner is offered a two-week placement in the Treasury of the United Kingdom, providing them with a unique opportunity to gain a deep insight into the inner workings of the government and the role of economics in modern policymaking.
As such, the Adam Smith Prize in Economics Endowment is a highly prestigious award and coveted opportunity for outstanding undergraduates studying economics. Through the Prize, the Adam Smith Foundation seeks to nurture those passionate about the study and application of economics, while introducing them to the world of economics and promoting Adam Smith’s enduring legacy.
