Economics or public policy postgraduate and honours students are being called to submit entries for the 2011 $5000 Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) prize.

CEDA Chief Executive, Professor the Hon Stephen Martin said the annual CEDA Prize aims to recognise and encourage Australia's future economists.

"The $5000 prize is awarded to the best essay on the economic development of Australia," he said.

"We will be looking for excellence in the fields of economics or public policy, with a focus on fresh ideas, innovative approaches or unique perspectives."

To enter, students must submit a 6,000 to 7,500 word essay on any topic related to the economic development of Australia with entries closing on 30 September, 2011.

Professor Martin said the CEDA prize was established last year as part of CEDA's 50th birthday celebrations because while many disciplines provide encouragement to outstanding students through the award of prizes and scholarships, these were less common in an area of special importance to CEDA: economics and policy.

"This prize is aimed at helping to identify Australia's future bright sparks in the economics field," he said.

"Strong economic policy is vital to the future prosperity of Australia, which is why it is important that we foster and encourage the next generation of economists.

"Today's prosperity has been built off hard economic decisions made in the past. If Australia is to continue to be a land of opportunity, we need to ensure hard policy decisions are made in the future. This takes rigorous economic thinking."

In addition to the prize money, the winner will have an opportunity to participate in a panel at the CEDA forum and their report will be considered for publication.

"The CEDA Prize offers a great opportunity to have your work read by a distinguished panel of experts and to network with industry and academic economic leaders," he said.

"I am excited about the quality of entries we can expect this year. Many of the changes and challenges occurring in our economy have not been faced before providing enormous scope for essay topics."

The prize will be presented at CEDA's Annual Dinner in Brisbane on 28 November, 2011. It will judged by a distinguished panel consisting of CEDA Research and Policy Advisory Council members.

For more information or an application form please go to: www.ceda.com.au/research/engage/ceda-prize. Click here for a copy of the prize flier.

Media contact:

Roxanne Punton
National Communications Manager
Phone: 03 9652 8424
Mobile: 0409 532 287
Email: roxanne.punton@ceda.com.au