We are continuing the ROCKWOOL Foundation Handbook 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 Paolo Pinotti for the next masterclass in the series.

RFBerlin Masterclass by Paolo Pinotti: 24-25 September 2025

For this Masterclass, we are delighted to welcome Paolo Pinotti, Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Economics in the Department of Social and Political Sciences at Bocconi University, where he also holds the Endowed Chair in the Economic Analysis of Crime. He is the founder and lead researcher of the CLEAN Unit on the Economic Analysis of Crime at the Baffi-Carefin Centre, and serves as an Associate Editor at the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy. Professor Pinotti is also a Research Fellow and Affiliate of RFBerlin and CEPR.

In their chapter “Crime and the Labor Market,” Randi Hjalmarsson, Stephen Machin, and Paolo Pinotti offer a comprehensive overview of a field that has gained prominence over the past 30 years: The economics of crime has emerged as a critical field over the past 30 years, with economists increasingly exploring the causes and consequences of criminal behavior. This chapter surveys key contributions and developments from labor economists, who investigate the (often two-way) intersection of crime with labor market factors, such as education, wages, and unemployment. The chapter underscores the importance of understanding criminal decision-making in economic analysis through the lens of opportunity costs and labor market conditions. Methodological advancements, particularly those addressing causation, have propelled the field forward, enabling more accurate conclusions to be drawn for policy recommendations. The chapter also explores the role of social policies and international contexts, emphasizing the need for evidence-based reforms to effectively reduce crime. This comprehensive review underscores the transformative impact of economics on crime research and its potential to influence real-world policies.

This masterclass provides a unique opportunity, with plenty of time for discussion and direct interaction with Professor Pinotti. Participants will be able to ask questions and engage in conversations with one of the leading voices in labor economics.

Event Details:

The detailed schedule and further information will be shared with successful applicants closer to the event.

Application Process:

Call Opens: 22 July 2025
Application Deadline: 26 August 2025
Decision Notification: 28 August 2025, 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.