We conduct independent research into significant challenges to the economy, society and the welfare state in a global world.
Become part of our research team
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. 20/26 - January 2026
Adapting to Scarcity: The Role of Firms in Occupational Transitions
Jeremias Klaeui, Daniel Kopp, Rafael Lalive, Michael Siegenthaler
No. 19/26 - January 2026
PTSD and refugees’ underemployment: Evidence from displaced Ukrainians
Mette Foged, Karen-Inge Karstoft, Edith Zink
No. 18/26 - January 2026
Paying for peers? Parental willingness to pay for school composition and quality in Switzerland
Maria A. Cattaneo, Stefan Wolter, Thea Zöllner
No. 17/26 - January 2026
Moving to Opportunity, Together
Seema Jayachandran, Lea Nassal, Matthew J. Notowidigdo, Marie Paul, Heather Sarsons, Elin Sundberg
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.

29 Jul 2025
Removing caps to the salaries of public managers could bring skilled workers back to the public sector
View article
25 Jul 2025
Migration Talks: Forced or free to move? Insights from Finland and Mozambique on displacement, climate and the cost of starting over.
View article
23 Jul 2025
Research on Employment Among Immigrants to the EU in the Media
View article
19 Jul 2025
Christian Dustmann on rising employment of migrants in Europe on Phoenix TV from Hong Kong
View articleTweets by @RF_Berlin
đź§ 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
5 Nov – 6 Nov 2026
“Racial Inequality in the Labor Market” by Speaker to be announced
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.

Sign up to our newsletter
Keep up to date with upcoming RFBerlin events, our new research and other news from our research centre.


