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. 26/26 - January 2026
In Their Own Words: What Workers Like and Dislike about their Jobs
Michele Belot, Xiaoying Liu, Vaios Triantafyllou
No. 25/26 - January 2026
Emotional stability and firm productivity. Evidence from German matched employer-employee data
Giorgio Brunello, Caroline Neuber-Pohl
No. 24/26 - January 2026
College Major Choice, Payoffs, and Gender Gaps
Christopher Campos, Pablo Muñoz, Alonso Bucarey, Dante Contreras
No. 23/26 - January 2026
How Parenting Styles Shape Children’s Lifetime Outcomes
Hans Grönqvist, Bart Golsteyn, Thomas Dohmen, Edvin Hertegård, Gerard Pfann
Research Insights
Concise, research-based articles for scholars,
policymakers, and anyone curious about the world.
News
RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.
Tweets by @RF_Berlin
From steam engines to AI and into the media!
RFBerlin research on how early technology adoption shapes long-term regional growth has been picked up by multiple outlets, from @Reuters to @SZ and @wiwo
All coverage overview here: https://www.rfberlin.com/from-steam-to-ai-rfberlin-research-featured-in-media/
#EconomicHistory
🆕 RFBerlin Discussion Paper! @SoniaBhalotra, @MeltemDaysal, @LouisFréget, Jonas Hirani, @majumdarpm96, @tramir, Miriam Wüst & @TomZohar show that postpartum depression contributes to the motherhood wage penalty and affects long-term career outcomes.
🔗 https://www.rfberlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/26015.pdf
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.
Keep up to date with upcoming RFBerlin events, our new research and other news from our research centre.
