Egon Sohmen

Egon Sohmen (1930-1977) was an influential economist known for his work on international monetary systems and allocation theory. He held positions as Assistant Professor at Yale University (1958-1961) and became a Professor at Saar University after being granted a waiver of the Habilitation requirement. His research focused on exchange rate flexibility, monetary policy, and international economic relations. He contributed to pivotal debates, including Germany's shift to flexible exchange rates in the 1960s, collaborating with Herbert Giersch on influential memorandums. Sohmen’s academic journey included studies at Vienna’s Wirtschaftsuniversität, a Fulbright scholarship at MIT (1953-1958), and a PhD under Charles Kindleberger. His legacy is perpetuated via the Egon Sohmen Graduate Center (ESGC) at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, which awards fellowships to young economists.

Research interests included monetary arrangements, international trade dynamics, and the interplay between economic policy and resource allocation. His publications addressed forward exchange markets, balance of payments challenges, and the theoretical underpinnings of flexible exchange rate systems. Colleagues noted his ability to bridge academic rigor with policy relevance, particularly in controversies over exchange rate regimes. The Bernhard Harms Prize at the Kiel Institute was posthumously acknowledged as a fitting tribute to his contributions.

His influence extended beyond academia through mentorship of prominent economists and policymakers, including collaborators in founding Germany’s Economic Expert Council. The Egon-Sohmen-Foundation, established by his brother Helmut, supports economic research, reflecting the family’s enduring commitment to the field.