2026 BlackRock Applied Research Award
Forecasted
The 2026 BlackRock Applied Research Award supports PhD researchers by recognizing quantitative job market papers that address practical financial and investment challenges for investors and risk managers.
This grant was recently updated
The award ceremony is now scheduled for November 19, 2026, replacing the previously unspecified date in November 2026. Dr. Anand Deo, Assistant Professor of Decision Sciences at IIM Bangalore, has also been added to the page.
Funder: BlackRock
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $6,500 for the winning paper; $1,500 each for four runners-up (2026 award amounts)
Summary: Recognizes PhD job market papers using quantitative research to solve practical challenges for investors and risk managers.
Key Information: Applicants must be entering the job market for the first time, with confirmation from their dissertation chair or program or department head.
Description
BlackRock’s Applied Research Award recognizes outstanding PhD job market papers addressing practical questions in financial markets, economics, investment management, and risk management. The program emphasizes quantitative research that offers practical solutions to challenges faced by investors and risk managers, connecting academic work with real-world financial and investment needs.
The award recognizes five papers and includes opportunities to present research and discuss it with judges and BlackRock subject matter experts. BlackRock collaborates with the India Finance Association (IFA) to strengthen outreach within the Indian research community. Finalists also have an opportunity to present their work at the India Finance Conference.
