DevSouth: Development Economics in the South Workshop 2026 at Duke University
A Gathering for Bold Ideas and New Connections in Development Economics
DevSouth is a one-and-a-half-day workshop designed to energize and strengthen the community of development economists across the American South. Following three highly successful years at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the University of Georgia, Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy and the Department of Economics are delighted to host this year’s workshop and continue building a vibrant regional network of scholars committed to understanding and improving economic development around the world.
This year’s DevSouth will continue the tradition to bring together researchers at all career stages for deep engagement with new ideas, constructive feedback, and the kind of conversations that spark fresh collaborations. Our format features longer research presentations that allow speakers to explore their work in meaningful depth, alongside opportunities for non-presenting participants to share projects, exchange advice, and get more individualized feedback in an informal, supportive setting.
Across the event, participants will have plentiful opportunities to connect during meals, coffee breaks, and our dedicated sessions. All meals are provided, and there is no registration fee, ensuring broad and inclusive participation.
Programs from past iterations of the conference can be found here: DevSouth: Development Economics in the South Workshop
Save the Dates
We will have a one-and-a-half-day workshop (April 24 and 25, 2026) bringing together development economists from across the American South for an engaging, collaborative, and intellectually vibrant event.
Submission deadline: Feb 1, 2026 (11:59PM)
Notification of acceptance: Feb 15, 2026.
Submissions are open. Visit our Submission Form.
Scope and Themes
We welcome submissions in all areas of development economics, including but not limited to:
- Poverty alleviation and social protection
- Education, early childhood, and human capital formation
- Health, nutrition, and well-being
- Labor markets, migration, and demographic change
- Agriculture, environment, and climate impacts
- Governance, institutions, and public service delivery
- Gender, household behavior, and intra-household decision-making
- Financial inclusion, credit markets, and entrepreneurship
- Technology, digital inclusion, and innovation in developing contexts
Both applied and theoretical work are welcome, as are early-stage and in-progress projects.