We conduct independent research into significant challenges to the economy, society and the welfare state in a global world.

Research

Fact of the day

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.

Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity
Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity
Migration & Global Collaboration
Migration & Global Collaboration
Technology, Trade & Human Capital
Technology, Trade & Human Capital

Discussion papers

No. 86/25 - October 2025

The Effects of Immigration on Places and People – Identification and Interpretation

Christian Dustmann, Sebastian Otten, Uta Schönberg, Jan Stuhler

No. 85/25 - October 2025

The Long-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Health and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Socialist East Germany

Moritz Lubczyk, Maria Waldinger

No. 84/25 - October 2025

Formal Effects of Informal Labor: Evidence from Syrian Refugees in Turkey

Ahmet Gulek

No. 83/25 - October 2025

The Making of a Ghetto: Place-Based Policies, Labeling, and Impacts on Neighborhoods and Individuals

Yajna Govind, Jack Melbourne, Sara Signorelli, Edith Zink

Research Insights

Concise, research-based articles for scholars,
policymakers, and anyone curious about the world.

No. 2/25 - October 2025

Should we keep expanding the number of university graduates? Lessons from the UK in 1960-2004

When almost everyone can go to university, what becomes of inequality and opportunity once policy meets reality?

Learn more

No. 1/25 - September 2025

The Winners and Losers of Collective Bargaining Decentralization

In Italy, national agreements between unions and employers set wages and conditions. New evidence reveals how firms opting out of this system reshape pay, job stability, and survival.

Learn more

News

RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.

Press

7 Oct 2025 • Financial Times

RFBerlin Affiliates Featured in Financial Times on Graduate Employment Choices
View article
Press release

3 Oct 2025

Number of refugees in Germany rises to record high – RFBerlin Director Dustmann welcomes planned relaxation of work ban
CReAM at RFBerlin

3 Oct 2025

CReAM Report: From Syria to Ukraine: Refugee Inflows and Trends in the European Union
Read Report
Articles

30 Sep 2025

35 years after reunification: How effective was the Treuhand?
View article

Upcoming events

RFBerlin hosts a wide array of events aimed at fostering academic research and collaboration.

RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar

28 October 2025

Jonas Loebbing (Center for Economic Studies at LMU Munich)

Welfare Effects of Automation with Redistributive Taxes

RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar

3 November 2025

Lawrence F. Katz (Harvard University)

Matching Estimators in the Age of Big Data: New Evidence on the Impacts of Workforce Training Programs

RFBerlin Public Lecture

4 November 2025

Why Women Won by Claudia Goldin

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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