We conduct independent research into significant challenges to the economy, society and the welfare state in a global world.
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Research
The ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin Institute for the Economy and the Future of Work (RFBerlin) engages in research designed to raise the standard of public debate and create the best possible basis for policy making.
Discussion papers
No. 98/26 - April 2026
Subjective Earnings and Employment Dynamics
Manuel Arellano, Orazio Attanasio, Margherita Borella, Mariacristina De Nardi, Gonzalo Paz-Pardo
No. 97/26 - April 2026
No. 96/26 - April 2026
Growing the Civic Mind: Civic Education, Civic Behavior, and Political Institutions
Enrico Rubolino
No. 95/26 - March 2026
Research Insights
Concise, research-based articles for scholars,
policymakers, and anyone curious about the world.

No. 9/26 - March 2026
Will AI Make Workers Better Off?
Will generative AI mainly replace workers, or will it increase living standards? This study responds “yes” to both.
Learn more
No. 8/26 - March 2026
Working Longer and Staying Healthy? Insights from Increasing Danish Retirement Ages
Many countries are currently increasing retirement ages due to aging populations. A key concern remains: will this have negative health consequences?
Learn more
No. 7/26 - March 2026
How Germany Could Raise Its Low Birth Rate
Governments across advanced economies are trying to raise fertility without discouraging women from working.
Learn moreCReAM Reports
Data-driven reports on migration and related economic and social trends, highlighting the latest developments across Europe and beyond.

No. 2/26 - March 2026
Migration Aspirations, Diaspora Networks and Refugee Destinations from Iran and Lebanon
Migration aspirations in Iran and Lebanon closely follow existing diaspora networks and refugee corridors, with Germany and Canada as both major hosts and top preferred destinations. If displacement rises, flows are likely to concentrate in a few high-income countries, with education influencing how broadly potential destinations are considered.
View report
No. 1/26 - February 2026
Four Years On: What Gallup Data Reveal About Staying, Leaving, and Life Expectations in Ukraine
Migration aspirations in Ukraine fell sharply after the 2022 invasion, dropping from around one-third of adults pre-war to below 15% by 2023–2024. This decline is broad-based and may reflect stronger attachment to the country and optimism about future recovery, while Germany remains the most preferred destination among those who still wish to emigrate.
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No. 4/25 - October 2025
From Syria to Ukraine: Refugee Inflows and Trends in the European Union
The refugee population in the EU increased dramatically from about 1 million in 2014 to 7.8 million in 2024, driven first by the Syrian crisis and then by the much larger and faster inflow following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While Germany remains the main host country, recent years have seen accelerated and uneven growth across member states, alongside renewed pressure on asylum systems with rising application backlogs.
View reportNews
RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.


16 Mar 2026 • F.A.Z.
Christian Dustmann on the Role of Diaspora Networks in Shaping Migration Patterns
View article
13 Mar 2026
CReAM at RFBerlin Report on Migration Aspirations Widely Covered by German Media
View article
13 Mar 2026
Germany most likely Destination for the Largest Share of Refugees if Middle East War Triggers Cross-Border Migration
View articleTweets by @RF_Berlin
And that’s a wrap! 🎉 A huge thank you to all our presenters, discussants, and participants for making the #MigrationForum2026 such a rich and stimulating event.
We close with remarks from RFBerlin Director Christian Dustmann, grateful for the inspiring conversations and
Upcoming events
RFBerlin hosts a wide array of events aimed at fostering academic research and collaboration.
Handbook of Labor Economics – Chapter Previews
In anticipation of the upcoming Handbook of Labor Economics, we offer early access to select chapters through our Discussion Papers series. Following our 2023 conference on this new edition, first chapters are now available for preview, featuring insights from leading research in economics and labor.

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