OECDmaiden

OECDmaiden is a collaborative initiative launched in 2023 by the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD). The project is designed to support early‑career economists and researchers by providing access to a curated database of maiden (first) publications, early career grant opportunities, and networking platforms that connect new scholars with senior experts. The initiative emphasizes diversity and inclusion, seeking to broaden participation among women, researchers from developing economies, and those in interdisciplinary fields.

The core components of OECDmaiden include an online portal where users can submit their first journal articles for peer review, a mentorship programme pairing newcomers with seasoned OECD-affiliated researchers, and annual conferences that focus on emerging topics such as sustainability economics, digital transformation, and inequality analysis. Data from the project are used to produce annual reports on trends in early research publication and funding distribution, aiding policy makers in assessing the effectiveness of STEM career pathways.

OECDmaiden operates under the broader umbrella of OECD’s efforts to enhance global knowledge sharing and policy dialogue. It aims to overcome barriers that often discourage early-career scholars from publishing and participating in international research networks. The program has received support from several member countries and partner institutions, and it is considered a key component of OECD’s strategy to promote academic mobility and innovation in economic research.