Elmer Sterken

Elmer Sterken is Professor of Monetary Economics at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Economics and Business, where he has served since 1996. His leadership roles include Rector Magnificus (2011-2019), Dean of Economics (2008-2011), and Interim Director of the Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut Rome (2019-2020). He holds external positions in the Coimbra Group Executive Board and CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis.

Education: PhD in Economics (1984-1990) and Master in Econometrics cum laude (1978-1983), both from the University of Groningen.

Sterken's research integrates monetary theory with empirical analysis across business cycles, investment behavior, and sports statistics. His work on Olympic forecasting combines econometric modeling with historical sports data, while his macroeconomic studies examine public debt dynamics and R&D spillovers. This interdisciplinary approach bridges theoretical economics with real-world policy applications.

Recent publications reveal a dual focus: traditional monetary economics (public debt, investment puzzles) and innovative sports economics (Olympic medal forecasting, gender performance analysis). His Rome Olympics research demonstrates historical methodology applied to sports economics, while Japanese manufacturing studies highlight cross-country economic comparisons.

Awards:

• Honorary Fellow of Nederlands Interdisciplinair Demografisch Instituut (NIDI)

Sterken has supervised 11 graduate students according to his research profile. His external engagements include membership in the Euro Area Business Cycle Network and CESifo Munich, facilitating international research collaboration. He serves on multiple supervisory boards including Erasmus University Rotterdam and AOG Holding Ltd.

He maintains active research networks including the Dutch Network of Business Economics and Koninklijke Vereniging voor de Staathuishoudkunde, supporting collaborative projects in economic policy analysis and demographic studies.