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. 16/26 - January 2026
No. 15/26 - January 2026
Postpartum Depression and the Motherhood Penalty
Sonia Bhalotra, N. Meltem Daysal, Louis Fréget, Jonas Hirani, Priyama Majumdar, Mircea Trandafir, Miriam Wüst, Tom Zohar
No. 14/26 - January 2026
Quantile Selection in the Gender Pay Gap
Egshiglen Batbayar, Christoph Breunig, Peter Haan, Boryana Ilieva
No. 13/26 - January 2026
The Virtuous Cycle Between Skills and Technology
Sascha O. Becker, Christian Dustmann, Hyejin Ku
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.
Tweets 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.
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.
Keep up to date with upcoming RFBerlin events, our new research and other news from our research centre.
