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. 36/26 - January 2026
No. 35/26 - January 2026
Judicial Gender Match in Juvenile Courts: In-Court Sanctions and Long-Run Socioeconomic Consequences
Ozkan Eren, Randi Hjalmarsson, Orgul Ozturk
No. 34/26 - January 2026
Unintended Consequences of China’s Double Reduction Policy: Its Immediate and Intergenerational Impacts
Xin Liu, Xin Meng, Guangqian Pan, Guochang Zhao
No. 33/26 - January 2026
The Value of Bonding at Work: Evidence from a Field Experiment
Michele Belot, Rustam Hakimov
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.

3 Nov 2025 • La Repubblica
Izabela Wnuk-Soares on Poland’s Economic Growth and EU Integration
View article
3 Nov 2025 • Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR)
Sascha Becker on Luther’s Influence from Wittenberg to the Digital Age
View article
30 Oct 2025
Luther’s network of relationships was crucial to the early spread of the Reformation
View article
28 Oct 2025
The Long-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Health and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Socialist East Germany
View articleTweets by @RF_Berlin
🧠New RFBerlin Research Insight!
👥 @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
Upcoming events
RFBerlin hosts a wide array of events aimed at fostering academic research and collaboration.
RFBerlin Masterclass
7 May – 8 May 2026
“Labor Force Transitions” by Markus Poschke and Fabian Lange
RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar
14 May 2026
Torben Nielsen (University of Copenhagen)
TBA
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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