Bernd Kempa

Professor Bernd Kempa is a Professor of Economics at the Institute of International Economics within the School of Business and Economics at the University of Münster, Germany. He has served as Director of the Institute since 2008 and maintains an active research program focused on international macroeconomics, monetary policy, and international finance.

Education:

• 2000: Habilitation, University of Essen
• 1995: PhD (Economics), University of Toronto
• 1990: Graduate economist (Diplom), University of Essen

Professor Kempa's research primarily focuses on international macroeconomics and monetary policy, with particular emphasis on exchange rate dynamics, monetary policy transmission, and the natural rate of interest. His work often employs advanced econometric techniques including Bayesian methods and dynamic factor models to analyze complex economic phenomena in the context of the European Monetary Union and global economic systems. He has made significant contributions to understanding real exchange rate convergence in the euro area and the relationship between central bank communication and policy effectiveness.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on real exchange rate dynamics within the euro area, the role of macroeconomic uncertainty in determining the natural interest rate, and the relationship between central bank communication and policy effectiveness. His research bridges theoretical economic models with empirical analysis of real-world monetary policy challenges, often utilizing sophisticated statistical methods to address questions of economic significance to policymakers.

Professor Kempa currently leads several research projects including "Real exchange rate dynamics in the European monetary union" and "The Fed's switch to an explicit inflation target: Communication and policy consequences." He regularly contributes to the Economic Research Seminar series at the Center for Quantitative Economics and teaches courses on international economics, macroeconomics, and monetary policy at both undergraduate and graduate levels, demonstrating his commitment to both research excellence and academic instruction.