Niels Thygesen's Scholarship for Economics Students Established
On the occasion of Professor Niels Thygesen's 90th birthday, a group of Niels' former students and his family have established a scholarship for economics students at the University of Copenhagen. The purpose of the foundation is to support talented Danish economics students to study at internationally recognized universities.
Niels Thygesen is one of the most influential European economists of his generation. He was the only academic member of the Delors Committee, whose report had a decisive influence on the design of the EU's monetary union. For several years, he chaired the OECD's Economic Development and Review Committee, which is responsible for the OECD's reports on member countries' economic policies, and he has served as an advisor to the International Monetary Fund and several national governments.
From 2016 to 2024, Niels Thygesen was the first chairman of the European Fiscal Board, which advises the EU Commission and the European Parliament on the organization of fiscal policy in Europe. In addition, he has made a wide range of other contributions over the years as an analyst and advisor on European and international economic issues and has also been an advisor to Danmarks Nationalbank.
"Niels Thygesen is widely recognized as one of Europe's leading economists. But Niels deserves just as much recognition for the support and guidance he has given to countless young economics students over the years. We have all benefited from his academic guidance and his help in gaining admission to and financing studies abroad. We hope that this fund will help future business students in their studies and careers," said the founders.
The founders are Thomas Høgh, Jacob Baruel Poulsen, Claus Vinge Skrumsager, Torsten Sløk, Carsten Stendevad, Jens Søndergaard, Allan Thygesen and Jacob Thygesen.
The foundation's initial capital is 5 million DKK, and the first grants are expected to be awarded in the spring of 2026. Further details about the application process and criteria will be published in early 2025, with the application deadline in the fall of 2025. Questions about contributing to the foundation can be directed to the Thygesen family or other founders of the foundation.
"This is a wonderful birthday present for Niels and the many future economics students who will be able to broaden their horizons and learn from the best international universities thanks to this foundation. Niels has an international outlook and influence like few others. On behalf of the economics students and the Department of Economics, it is my pleasure to thank you for this gift," says Department Head Henrik Hansen.
On the occasion of Niels's 90th birthday on December 13, 2024, the Department, together with the Danish Economic Society (Nationaløkonomisk Forening), will organize a lecture and discussion on January 13, 2025.