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

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Research

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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. 118/25 - November 2025

Peer vs. Network Effects: Microfoundations, Identification, and Beyond

Yves Zenou

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No. 117/25 - November 2025

Job Transformation, Specialization, and the Labor Market Effects of AI

Lukas Freund, Lukas Mann

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No. 116/25 - November 2025

Learning to Discriminate on the Job

Alan Benson, Louis-Pierre Lepage

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No. 115/25 - November 2025

Intergenerational Educational Mobility among Immigrants and Descendants in Denmark: The Role of Sample Selectivity and Data Quality

Rasmus Landersø, Kristian B. Karlson

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Research Insights

Concise, research-based articles for scholars,
policymakers, and anyone curious about the world.

All Research Insights

No. 4/25 - November 2025

When Offshore Money Comes Home: The Hidden Effects of Anti-Laundering Crackdowns

Using data that connect U.S. businesses to foreign financial networks, the researchers reveal how tougher anti–laundering measures abroad reshaped the flow of illicit funds at home.

Opportunity Trade

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No. 3/25 - October 2025

The Long-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Health and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Socialist East Germany

New evidence shows that sustained exposure to dirty air can harm health for decades and can lower lifetime earnings.

Human Capital Opportunity Technology

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No. 2/25 - October 2025

Should we keep expanding the number of university graduates? Lessons from the UK in 1960-2004

When almost everyone can go to university, what becomes of inequality and opportunity once policy meets reality?

Equity Human Capital Opportunity

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News

RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.

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Press release

17 Nov 2025

Panama Papers: Closing money laundering channels risks fuelling activity in others

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Research Insights

17 Nov 2025

When Offshore Money Comes Home: The Hidden Effects of Anti-Laundering Crackdowns

Read now

Press

14 Nov 2025 • WirtschaftsWoche

If you don’t look ahead, you’ll stagnate – Claudia Goldin

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Press

6 Nov 2025 • Handelsblatt

The Economics of Gender Equality and Family Choices

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Tweets by @RF_Berlin

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

23 Nov

🆕 RFBerlin Discussion Paper!
@PatBayerNC, Kerwin Charles & @EDerenoncourt new chapter of the Handbook of Labor Economics delves into racial inequalities in the labor market. Do not miss insightful analysis of long-run trends, highlighting how prejudice, monopsony, and…

Reply on Twitter 1992537609718149168 Retweet on Twitter 1992537609718149168 1 Like on Twitter 1992537609718149168 6

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

21 Nov

🆕 RFBerlin Discussion Paper!
Björn Brey, @joanne_had & @Lamiis_k study how the collective memory of the Soviet famine in Ukraine is shaped by both family and the state, and how that process builds national identity across generations. 🔗 : https://www.rfberlin.com/network-paper/collective-memory-and-national-identity-formation-the-role-of-family-and-the-state/

Reply on Twitter 1991869213708059140 Retweet on Twitter 1991869213708059140 1 Like on Twitter 1991869213708059140 1

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

21 Nov

🆕 RFBerlin Discussion Paper!

Our research leader, Sascha O. Becker, with @JeanetBentzen, & @chuncheekok survey the links between gender and religion.

🧵->

Reply on Twitter 1991813554899476748 Retweet on Twitter 1991813554899476748 2 Like on Twitter 1991813554899476748 3

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

21 Nov

🆕RFBerlin Discussion Paper!
@SoniaBhalotra, Damian Clarke, & @angie_nazarova document a global daughter penalty: mothers reduce labor supply more after having daughters than sons, with important links to gender roles and their transmission across generations. 🔗:…

Reply on Twitter 1991780959520198880 Retweet on Twitter 1991780959520198880 2 Like on Twitter 1991780959520198880 1

Upcoming events

RFBerlin hosts a wide array of events aimed at fostering academic research and collaboration.

RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar

2 December 2025

Minki Kim (University of Mannheim)

The Impacts of Negative Income Tax on Labor Market and Health Outcomes: Evidence from a Large Scale Field Experiment

RFBerlin Masterclass

12 Mar – 13 Mar 2026

“Tasks At Work: Comparative Advantage, Technology and Labor Demand” by Fredric Kong

RFBerlin Event

26 Mar – 27 Mar 2026

RFBerlin Migration Forum

Migration: Drivers, Consequences, and Governance

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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.

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

Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity

Migration & Global Collaboration

Technology, Trade & Human Capital

Discussion papers

Research Insights

When Offshore Money Comes Home: The Hidden Effects of Anti-Laundering Crackdowns

The Long-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Health and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Socialist East Germany

Should we keep expanding the number of university graduates? Lessons from the UK in 1960-2004

News

Panama Papers: Closing money laundering channels risks fuelling activity in others

When Offshore Money Comes Home: The Hidden Effects of Anti-Laundering Crackdowns

If you don’t look ahead, you’ll stagnate – Claudia Goldin

The Economics of Gender Equality and Family Choices

Upcoming events

RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar

Minki Kim (University of Mannheim)

RFBerlin Masterclass

“Tasks At Work: Comparative Advantage, Technology and Labor Demand” by Fredric Kong

RFBerlin Event

RFBerlin Migration Forum

Handbook of Labor Economics – Chapter Previews

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