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

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. 84/25 - October 2025

Formal Effects of Informal Labor: Evidence from Syrian Refugees in Turkey

Ahmet Gulek

No. 83/25 - October 2025

The Making of a Ghetto: Place-Based Policies, Labeling, and Impacts on Neighborhoods and Individuals

Yajna Govind, Jack Melbourne, Sara Signorelli, Edith Zink

No. 82/25 - October 2025

The Polarization Paradox: Why More Connections Can Divide Us

Arthur Campbell, C. Matthew Leister, Philip Ushchev, Yves Zenou

No. 81/25 - October 2025

Migratory Responses to Air Pollution Reduction: Evidence from Large-scale Desulfurization Programme

Štěpán Mikula, Mariola Pytliková

Research Insights

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

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?

Learn more

No. 1/25 - September 2025

The Winners and Losers of Collective Bargaining Decentralization

In Italy, national agreements between unions and employers set wages and conditions. New evidence reveals how firms opting out of this system reshape pay, job stability, and survival.

Learn more

News

RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.

Press

7 Oct 2025 • Financial Times

RFBerlin Affiliates Featured in Financial Times on Graduate Employment Choices
View article
Press release

3 Oct 2025

Number of refugees in Germany rises to record high – RFBerlin Director Dustmann welcomes planned relaxation of work ban
CReAM at RFBerlin

3 Oct 2025

CReAM Report: From Syria to Ukraine: Refugee Inflows and Trends in the European Union
Read Report
Articles

30 Sep 2025

35 years after reunification: How effective was the Treuhand?
View article

Upcoming events

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

RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar

21 October 2025

Andrea Weber (Central European University)

Do Politicians Affect Firm Outcomes? Evidence from Connections to the German Federal Parliament

RFBerlin Masterclass

23 Oct – 24 Oct 2025

“Job search, unemployment insurance, and active labor market policies” by Andrea Weber

RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar

28 October 2025

Jonas Loebbing (Center for Economic Studies at LMU Munich)

Welfare Effects of Automation with Redistributive Taxes

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.

Image link

Sign up to our newsletter

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