Summer School Seeing through the algorithms: a summer school on machine learning & AI for economists
Overview
Nowadays, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping economic research, policy evaluation, and business decision-making. Yet many economists use these tools as “black boxes,” often unaware of their assumptions, limitations, and potential pitfalls.
This Summer School, hosted by the UB School of Economics in 2026, offers an accessible yet rigorous introduction to ML and AI specifically designed for economists.
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Over five intensive days, participants will explore the foundations of machine learning, the logic behind modern AI models, and the ways in which these techniques can both illuminate and distort empirical insights when misapplied. Through hands-on sessions, real-world economic datasets, and critical discussions, the course equips participants with a clear understanding of what algorithms actually do, without requiring them to engage in programming. Attendees will learn how to use ML responsibly and how to identify and avoid incorrect applications in academic papers, policy reports, and industry contexts.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to evaluate ML and AI methods from an economist’s perspective, with particular emphasis on identification, causality, interpretability, fairness, and robustness. No prior experience with ML is required, only curiosity and a willingness to engage critically with new analytical tools.
Overview of previous editions of the UB School of Economics Summer School: 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025
Key information
Dates
6 – 10 July, 2026
Lectures
25 hours (2 ECTS)
Location
Barcelona
Academic Director
Montserrat Guillen (Universitat de Barcelona, National Research Award 2025)
Academic Coordinator
Juan S. Yañez (Universitat de Barcelona)
All you need to know about
the programme
Course outline and schedule
View the detailed course outline and daily schedule of the Summer School.
Lecturers
Meet the lecturers leading the Summer School in machine learning and AI for economists.
Life at the University of Barcelona
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Is this the right course for you?
The summer school is designed for advanced graduate students and professionals with a strong interest in machine learning & AI for Economists.
It aims to attract:
- Graduate students from disciplines such as economics, political science, and other social sciences with a quantitative focus.
- Early-career researchers.
- Applied Economist.
This programme is ideal for graduate students, early-career researchers, and applied economists looking for being able to evaluate ML & AI methods with an economist’s eye for identification, causality, interpretability, fairness, and robustness. Final-year bachelor’s students may also be eligible.
Participants requirements
- Curiosity and a willigness to engage critically with new tools.
- Proficiency in English, as all lectures, materials, and discussions will be conducted in English.
- No prior experience with machine learning is required.
Fees and funding
Students
475 euros
General
710 euros*
*25% discount on the general fee for early career researchers (within five years of the award of their PhD).
The fees cover coffee, a welcome dinner, a farewell cocktail, and materials required for the course. They do not cover lunches, accommodation, transport, or any other services.
Scholarships
Master and PhD students seeking financial aid might be interested in applying for one of the five available student scholarships, which cover the full course tuition fees.
Deadline for registration, including student scholarship application, is March 20th, 2026. Applications will be reviewed by the Dean, the Vice-Dean for Research, Doctoral Studies and Social Impact, and the course coordinators. The list of awarded participants will be published by April 5th, 2026.
Scholarship applications will require:
- A Cover Letter
- A Transcript of Records
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Cover Letter
- Academic Profile – with priority given to PhD students working on topics closely related to the course content.
Tuition fees already paid by participants awarded with a scholarship will be reimbursed as soon as possible.
Payments
Participants offered a place on the Summer School will receive an email with (i) the admission letter and (ii) the payment instructions. Payment of the tuition fees is required to secure a place once offered.
Cancellation policy
All cancellations must be received in writing and sent in advance by email. Participants wishing to withdraw from the Summer School will have their tuition fees partially refunded according to the following policy: Prior to 15 days before the beginning of the course: full refund of the registration fee, less €100 of administrative costs.
The University of Barcelona reserves the right to cancel the Summer School if the minimum number of required students is not reached.
Scholarships
Master and PhD students seeking financial aid might be interested in applying for one of the five available student scholarships, which cover the full course tuition fees.
Deadline for registration, including student scholarship application, is March 20th, 2026.
Ready to apply?
Applications are open until 20 May 2026, or until all available places are filled.
> Supporting documents required: ID and CV.
> Applicants will receive the admission decision by email within three weeks of submitting their application.
> To secure a place in the programme, admitted participants must complete the payment by the deadline indicated in the admission notification.
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Excellence
The University of Barcelona stands among the leading universities worldwide, consistently achieving top positions in major international rankings for teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and internationalisation. You can explore detailed subject rankings in economics and the social sciences.
The UB School of Economics is listed in the top 10% of economics departments worldwide (RePEc/IDEAs).
