Real Research, Genuine Insight
Over the past three years, we've partnered with students across Belgium who bring fresh perspectives to investment research. These projects aren't classroom exercises—they tackle actual market questions that help us stay sharp and challenge our assumptions. Some findings surprised us. Others confirmed suspicions we'd had for months but hadn't tested rigorously.
Projects That Made a Difference
Renewable Energy Sector Analysis
A student from Ghent University spent autumn 2024 examining how subsidy changes affected mid-cap renewable companies. Her work identified three firms whose stock prices hadn't yet reflected policy shifts. We adjusted positions accordingly—and two of those recommendations turned out remarkably well.
Pharmaceutical Patent Expirations
One project from early 2025 mapped out generic drug market entry timing for seventeen pharmaceutical companies. The analysis highlighted pricing pressure points we hadn't fully considered. It changed how we evaluate pharma holdings, particularly in the biosimilar space.
Supply Chain Vulnerability Assessment
A Brussels-based student examined logistics dependencies for European manufacturers during winter 2024. The research pinpointed specific choke points in container shipping routes. When disruptions hit in March 2025, we already knew which portfolio companies had exposure.
How Student Projects Stack Up
Different research approaches bring different strengths. We've worked with students at various stages—from early undergrad work to master's thesis projects. Here's what we've learned about which level fits which type of analysis.
Limited
Basic
—
Assisted
6–8 weeks
10–14 weeks
4–6 months
What Past Participants Say
Students who've completed research projects with us often continue in finance or adjacent fields. Here's what a few of them told us about the experience.
Joris Vermeersch
Now at BNP Paribas Fortis
I spent twelve weeks analyzing European tech valuations compared to US counterparts. What made it worthwhile was getting honest feedback—not just academic critique, but practical questions about whether my conclusions would actually hold up in real portfolio decisions. That pushed me harder than any grade could.
Elke Dierckx
Completed Master's Thesis 2024
My project examined how ESG scoring methodologies differed across rating agencies and whether those differences predicted stock performance. Piralox gave me access to proprietary data I couldn't find anywhere else. The findings became the core of my thesis—and later helped me land my current role at a sustainability-focused fund.
Interested in Working Together?
We typically take on two to three student projects each semester. Applications for autumn 2025 projects open in July. If you're currently enrolled in economics, finance, or a related field at a Belgian university, reach out to discuss potential research topics.
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