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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. 86/26 - March 2026

The Gender Wage Gap in Britain: A Meta-Analysis

Patrice Laroche, Alex Bryson, Heather Joshi, David Wilkinson

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No. 85/26 - March 2026

Effective Families or Effective Schools? Experimental Evidence on Fostering Children’s Numeracy

Samuel Berlinski, Michele Giannola, Alessandro Toppeta

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No. 84/26 - March 2026

Private Information in the Family

Suzanne Bellue, Matthias Doepke, Michèle Tertilt

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No. 83/26 - March 2026

Preparing Kids for Capitalism: The Effect of German Reunification on the Intergenerational Transmission of Preferences

Matthias Doepke, Mariko Klasing

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Research Insights

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

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No. 9/26 - March 2026

Will AI Make Workers Better Off?

Will generative AI mainly replace workers, or will it increase living standards? This study responds “yes” to both.

Opportunity

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No. 8/26 - March 2026

Working Longer and Staying Healthy? Insights from Increasing Danish Retirement Ages

Many countries are currently increasing retirement ages due to aging populations. A key concern remains: will this have negative health consequences?

Opportunity

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No. 7/26 - March 2026

How Germany Could Raise Its Low Birth Rate

Governments across advanced economies are trying to raise fertility without discouraging women from working.

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

23 Mar 2026

Income Tax Reform Could Boost Birth Rates in Germany

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Press

16 Mar 2026 • F.A.Z.

Christian Dustmann on the Role of Diaspora Networks in Shaping Migration Patterns

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Press

13 Mar 2026

CReAM at RFBerlin Report on Migration Aspirations Widely Covered by German Media

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Press release

13 Mar 2026

Germany most likely Destination for the Largest Share of Refugees if Middle East War Triggers Cross-Border Migration

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Tweets by @RF_Berlin

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

We are back underway after the lunch break with @BeineMichel of @uni_lu presenting

“The Contribution of Foreign Master’s Students to US Start-Ups.”
#MigrationForum2026 #MigrationResearch #Economics

Reply on Twitter 2037517853134381080 Retweet on Twitter 2037517853134381080 Like on Twitter 2037517853134381080

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

Jesús Fernández-Huertas Moraga from @uc3m continues after our lunch break presenting “The Second Spanish Immigration Boom”.
#MigrationForum2026 #MigrationResearch #Economics

Reply on Twitter 2037516928499978704 Retweet on Twitter 2037516928499978704 Like on Twitter 2037516928499978704

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

Up next we have RFBerlin Research Fellow @MalteSandner of @TH_Nuernberg presenting

“Lifting Barriers to Skill Transferability: Immigrant Integration through Occupational Recognition”

#MigrationForum2026 #MigrationResearch #Economics

Reply on Twitter 2037487695581130946 Retweet on Twitter 2037487695581130946 Like on Twitter 2037487695581130946 2

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

In our last session before the lunch @lpenalozap from @Cornell talks about “Migration, Market Power, and Firms”.

#MigrationForum2026 #MigrationResearch #Economics

Reply on Twitter 2037486873539396008 Retweet on Twitter 2037486873539396008 1 Like on Twitter 2037486873539396008 2

Upcoming events

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

RFBerlin Event

26 Mar – 27 Mar 2026

RFBerlin Migration Forum

Migration: Drivers, Consequences, and Governance

RFBerlin Event

14 April 2026

Berlin Labor Economists Workshop 2026

Conference

16 Apr – 17 Apr 2026

Health and Economic Well-Being: Evidence, Policy, and Frontiers

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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

Will AI Make Workers Better Off?

Working Longer and Staying Healthy? Insights from Increasing Danish Retirement Ages

How Germany Could Raise Its Low Birth Rate

News

Income Tax Reform Could Boost Birth Rates in Germany

Christian Dustmann on the Role of Diaspora Networks in Shaping Migration Patterns

CReAM at RFBerlin Report on Migration Aspirations Widely Covered by German Media

Germany most likely Destination for the Largest Share of Refugees if Middle East War Triggers Cross-Border Migration

Upcoming events

RFBerlin Event

RFBerlin Migration Forum

RFBerlin Event

Berlin Labor Economists Workshop 2026

Conference

Health and Economic Well-Being: Evidence, Policy, and Frontiers

Handbook of Labor Economics – Chapter Previews

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