Academic Groups at the Department of Economics – PUC-Rio

Created to strengthen student engagement across the program’s three areas of concentration — Macroeconomics, Finance, and Applied Economics — as well as in Programming, the academic groups promote hands-on learning through applied projects, technical visits to companies, banks, asset managers, and public institutions.

Through these activities, students prepare reports, collect and analyze data, present projects to partner institutions, and take part in financial market challenges, receiving direct feedback from professionals — an experience that bridges the gap between academic learning, the job market, and public and private institutions.

EconData Analytics – Data Analysis Group
EconData Analytics – Data Analysis Group

Practical training in data analysis, R, Python, Excel, and applied economic projects with an empirical focus.

The group provides progressive learning in quantitative tools and methodologies, preparing students for data-driven research and analysis.

GAMA – Applied Macroeconomic Analysis Group
GAMA – Applied Macroeconomic Analysis Group

Comprehensive training in applied macroeconomics, including simulations, challenges, and lectures with market professionals.

GAMA prepares students for careers in macroeconomic analysis — both in the financial sector and in academic research — through a structured two-phase learning journey.

NEA – Applied Economics Group
NEA – Applied Economics Group

Training in applied economics with a focus on research, data, and social impact.

The group combines theory and practice, encouraging academic development, technical skills, and a culture of collaboration, innovation, and transparency.

ALFA – Applied Finance Lab
ALFA – Applied Finance Lab

Finance in practice.

The group simulates a student-run asset management firm, providing hands-on experience in financial markets, investment theses, economic analysis, and Python-based tools, fostering a strong market-oriented mindset.