Organised by EMN every year since 2008, this European Microfinance Research Award promotes continuous academic research on microfinance and its impact on combating social and financial exclusion, especially encouraging contributions from young researchers.

Ahead of the 20th European Microfinance Network (EMN) Annual Conference which will take place between the 14th and 16th June 2023 in Paris, EMN is pleased to announce the 16th edition of the European Microfinance Research Award. The award is supported by the European Investment Fund (EIF) and comes with a grant of €2,000. 

Papers eligible for selection should present ongoing or finalised research on issues related to inclusive finance in European countries.
 
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: the role of microfinance to support vulnerable populations (in particular women, migrants and young people) and social entrepreneurs, evidence on the impact of microfinance, the role played by innovative financial technologies in facilitating financial inclusion and (social) entrepreneurship, and the importance and usefulness of non-financial services offered to clients. Papers exploring the role of green inclusive finance in ensuring a just transition in Europe will be especially valued.

As challenges to financial inclusion are widespread, papers that draw upon other regions’ learnings to highlight differences and similarities with the European context will be also particularly valued. Young researchers are especially invited to present their work for this award.

Only papers written in English will be accepted.

Based on predetermined selection criteria (relevance, innovativeness, structure, literature review, methodology and applicability), the EMN Selection Committee will choose three finalist papers. These will be disseminated online and published on a dedicated page on the EMN website. 

Finally, based on the Selection Committee’s decision, one outstanding paper will be awarded the 2023 European Microfinance Research Award. The winner will be invited to participate in the EMN Annual Conference. 

Abstracts following the template below must be sent to EMN: emn@european-microfinance.org. The selection process schedule will be as follows:
 

• Submission of abstracts: Wednesday, 29th March 2023 (extended deadline)

• Acceptance notification: Friday, 31st March 2023 (extended deadline)

• Submission of full papers: Friday, 5th May 2023

The award winner will be notified by email no later than  May 17, 2023.

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