Modern economic theory produces models that are computationally challenging. This has
limited the empirical application of these models and their use in policy
analysis. Ad hoc methods with poorly understood properties are used to produce
approximate solutions of unknown quality. The Institute on Computational
Economics aims to raise the level of computational sophistication in economics
by creating an interface between economists and computer scientists. Leading
computer scientists and numerical analysts will join with leading economists to
analyze the computational challenges presented by broad classes of economic
models often used in empirical work and policy analysis. The goal of the
institute is to use state-of-the-art numerical methods and computer technology
to develop new techniques that address the unique problems posed by modern
economic models and their econometric estimation. A standing committee of
scholars from the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory has
assembled leading scholars, promising young scholars and graduate students in
economics, computational sciences and applied mathematics to promote the
exchange of, and the development of computational research tools as well as
fostering a world-wide community in an emerging area of science.
This institute will gather a diverse
group of academic participants: experts in policy, microeconomics,
macroeconomics, model building, estimating and testing, statistical methods,
computation, algorithm development, applied mathematics, and numerical analysis,
etc for five days. Summer institute activities will include formal morning
tutorials and afternoon sessions that offer opportunities for less formal
interactions via seminars and workshops that feature recent advances in
quantitative economic policy research. Tutorials will target those interested in
learning new analytical and computational methods and application to their own
work, those interested in current findings and applicability to other research,
and those with backgrounds in math and computer science who are interested in
state of the art applied mathematical tools and their application to substantive
policy research.
The Institute on Computational Economics will be held at Argonne National Laboratory from July 18th to July 22nd, 2005. Tutorials will be given from 9:00 – 12:00 each morning by leading scholars on topics selected by the committee. Lunch and workshops will follow. Following lunch, we will have a software presentation time to go over potential problems and exercises using software. From about 3:30 – 5:00 research seminars featuring new developments and applications will be presented. Evenings will be devoted to dinner and informal exchanges. Students are encouraged to approach speakers, other students and other circulating instructors with their own work and problems they run into.
ICE applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered:
The ICE participation fee is $1,500, which covers lodging and some food for the duration of the institute. Round trip travel to Argonne National Laboratory is the responsibility of the individual participant.
Partial and full fellowships covering expenses will be widely available and awarded on a competitive basis. U.S. citizens, permanent residents or students and faculty presently at US institutions will be given preference. Applicants are encouraged and expected to seek support from their universities or other organizations.