2022 - Credible Economist Writing Competition

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Credible Economist Writing Competition

In 2022, NSW WEN is hosting its inaugural writing competition as part of the Credible Economist series. Selected articles will be published as part of the series.

Prizes will be awarded to articles that best fit the evaluation criteria listed below:

  1. First place: $750
  2. Second place: $550
  3. Third place: $250.

Additionally, complimentary membership to WEN for the next year will be awarded for the top 3 prize winners and 3 honourable mentions. 

Participants should submit an article of no longer than 800 words on an economics topic of their choosing. All WEN member and students are able to enter, however, articles should promote female voices in economics – either the voice of the author, or by drawing on public contributions made by female economists. Participants are encouraged to read previous articles in the Credible Economist series to guide their writing, and other economic articles for inspiration such as at VOX.eu or The Conversation.

Articles will be judged by Leonora Risse, Chair of National WEN, Catherine Fox, Walkley Award winning journalist and author, and Rhiannon Yetsenga, Committee Member for NSW WEN.

The due date has been extended from Friday 1st April 2022 to Sunday 3rd April 2022.

A webinar for the competition was held on 23 February. WEN NSW Committee Members Evie Fox Koob and Rhiannon Yetsenga were joined by award-winning journalist and author Catherine Fox to share practical tips on how engage audiences with impact, clarity and conviction. The presentation slides from the competition can be found here and the recording of the webinar is here.

Eligibility criteria

  • Applicants must be current ESA WEN members, unless they are students (join now)
  • Articles should be no longer than 800 words on an economics topic of their choosing.
  • Articles should promote female voices in economics – either the voice of the author, or by drawing on public contributions made by female economists.
  • Applicants must not have previously published any part of their article previously (e.g., newspaper, magazine) or been featured in a media interview (e.g., on radio or TV).
  • The aim of this competition is to promote female voices in economics and is open to people of any gender, age and professional experience. As such, the competition is not intended for regular economics commentators, rather emerging economists building a profile. With this in mind, please consider whether this competition is right for you when submitting.

Evaluation criteria

  1. Accessibility and reader engagement (4 points) 
  • Articles should be drafted with a general audience in mind. They should avoid jargon, unnecessarily complex language and clearly explain economic concepts.  
  • Articles should be engaging to read. 
  1. Compelling argument (4 points) 
  • Arguments should be persuasive and bold. They should take a clear stance on the chosen issue and demonstrate a strong rationale for their argument. 
  1. Understanding (2 points)
  • Blogs should demonstrate an understanding of the underlying issue they are describing and economic concepts where relevant. 

Applications Closed


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