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. 111/25 - November 2025
No. 110/25 - November 2025
No. 109/25 - November 2025
Effects of Immigrants on Non-host Regions: Evidence from the Syrian Refugees in Turkey
Ahmet Gulek
No. 108/25 - November 2025
Measuring Bias in Job Recommender Systems: Auditing the Algorithms
Shuo Zhang, Peter Kuhn
Research Insights
Concise, research-based articles for scholars,
policymakers, and anyone curious about the world.

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.
Learn more
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.
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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?
Learn moreNews
RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.

17 Nov 2025
Panama Papers: Closing money laundering channels risks fuelling activity in others
Read now
17 Nov 2025
When Offshore Money Comes Home: The Hidden Effects of Anti-Laundering Crackdowns
Read now
14 Nov 2025 • WirtschaftsWoche
If you don’t look ahead, you’ll stagnate – Claudia Goldin
View article
Tweets by @RF_Berlin
🆕 RFBerlin Discussion Paper! @EDerenoncourt, @fgerard_BE, Lorenzo Lagos & @cmontialoux study Brazil’s large minimum wage hikes and document how those improved living standards for informal workers beyond the reach of labor law. 🔗: https://www.rfberlin.com/network-paper/minimum-wages-and-informality/
Upcoming events
RFBerlin hosts a wide array of events aimed at fostering academic research and collaboration.
RFBerlin Masterclass
18 Nov – 19 Nov 2025
“Forced Migration: Insights from Economic History” by Sascha O. Becker
RFBerlin Event
26 Mar – 27 Mar 2026
RFBerlin Migration Forum
Migration: Drivers, Consequences, and Governance
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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