We are continuing the RFBerlin Masterclass Series, based on the Handbook of Labour Economics. In this series we invite contributed authors of handbook chapters to Berlin for in-depth, two-day teaching sessions.
This time, we are happy to welcome Mikko Silliman for the next masterclass in the series.
RFBerlin Masterclass by Mikko Silliman: 23-24 April 2026
For this Masterclass, we welcome Mikko Silliman, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Aalto University and the Helsinki Graduate School of Economics.
His research examines the intersection of education policy and labor economics, focusing on the forces that drive inequality. He studies how education systems and labor markets can reduce these disparities and support employment as the nature of work continues to change.
“Skills and human capital in the labor market”
by David Deming & Mikko Silliman
This chapter, prepared for the Handbook of Labor Economics, provides a comprehensive overview of how economists understand skills and human capital, with particular attention to higher-order capacities such as social and decision-making skills. It synthesizes empirical evidence on the returns to human capital from both micro and macro perspectives and reviews what is known about human capital investment over the life cycle. The chapter also highlights key limitations of standard human capital theory and outlines a new framework that treats workers as agents who choose how to allocate their effort across tasks, emphasizing the role of teamwork and decision-making skills in shaping productivity.
Event Details:
23 April 2026
Two morning classes (~60m each)
Two afternoon classes (~60m each)
24 April 2026
Two morning classes (~60m each)
The final schedule and additional information will be shared with successful applicants closer to the event.
Application Process:
Call Opens: 17 February 2026
Application Deadline: 7 March 2026
Decision Notification: 19 March 2026, subject to adjustment based on the volume of applications received.
To apply, please use the application form below. Participation is free, but travel and accommodation costs are not covered. Applications are open to PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career academics.
If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us using the form or email us at [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you to Berlin and sharing this experience with you.
