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

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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. 12/26 - January 2026

The Long Run Economic Effects of Medical Innovation and the Role of Opportunities

Sonia Bhalotra, Damian Clarke, Atheendar Venkataramani

No. 11/26 - January 2026

Pension Wealth and the Timing of Retirement

Torben M. Andersen, Anne Katrine Borgbjerg, Jonas Maibom

No. 10/26 - January 2026

A Wartime Labor Market

Tito Boeri, Giacomo Anastasia, Oleksandr Zholud

No. 9/26 - January 2026

Who Benefits from Remote Schooling? Self-Selection and Match Effects

Christopher Campos, Jesse Bruhn, Eric Chyn, Anh Tran

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.

Press

6 Jul 2025

Interview with Christian Dustmann on why migrants leave Germany
View article
Press

3 Jul 2025 β€’ Deutsche Welle

Christian Dustmann Comments on Why Migrants Are Leaving Germany
View article
Press Video

3 Jul 2025 β€’ Tagesschau 24

Christian Dustmann on immigration and education on Tagesschau 24
View article
CReAM at RFBerlin Podcast

3 Jul 2025 β€’ New Podcast Series from RFBerlin

Migration Talks: Securing borders to secure votes? Public perception and EU migration policy
Listen to Podcast

Tweets by @RF_Berlin

🧠New RFBerlin Research Insight!
πŸ‘₯ @luo_qinyue, @LiaoliangZ & Xinhan Zhang

Using a unique setting in China where age caps in job ads are legal, this study reveals how explicit age requirements shape who applies, and who doesn’t.

One of the surprising findings? Even younger

New RFBerlin Discussion Paper!
@VirginiaMinni, Kieu-Trang Nguyen, Heather Sarsons & @CarlaSrebot show how managers transmit gender norms at work. Who sets the norms inside firms?
πŸ”— https://www.rfberlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/26040.pdf

New RFBerlin Discussion Paper!
@FenellaCarpena & Simon Galle study how technical change affects workers across occupations. The mechanisms behind adjustment matter.
πŸ”— https://www.rfberlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/26039.pdf

New RFBerlin Discussion Paper!
Jim Albrecht, Per-Anders Edin, Raquel Fernandez, Jiwon Lee, Peter Skogman Thoursie & Susan Vroman analyze how parental leave shapes norms. Can policy change culture as well as behavior?
πŸ”— https://www.rfberlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/26038.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.

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