Frank Westermann

Frank Westermann is a Professor of International Economic Policy at Osnabrück University, affiliated with the Institute of Empirical Economic Research within the School of Business Administration and Economics. His research emphasizes theory-based empirical analysis and economic policy consulting, particularly in international macroeconomics and monetary policy.

His research interests center on international economic policy, with a strong focus on exchange rate dynamics, central banking (especially the European Central Bank), sovereign debt crises, financial stability, and development aid. He investigates the unintended consequences of monetary and fiscal interventions, using empirical methods to assess policy effectiveness and financial market impacts.

The recent working paper 'An In-Sample Evaluation of Exchange Rate Models: In Search of Scapegoats' (2025) exemplifies his focus on empirical evaluation of macroeconomic models, particularly in forecasting exchange rates—a long-standing challenge in international finance. His publications span broad disciplines such as Economics and Finance, with subfields including econometric modeling, currency markets, and predictive analysis.

• The ‘dinosaurs’ were right to point out QE’s negatives (Financial Times, 2019)
• Europe Needs a Federal Reserve (New York Times, 2012)
• Die Insolvenz von Staaten zulassen (NOZ, 2012)
• Die Bundesbank in der Klemme (FAZ, 2012)
• Boom und Crash: Blasen haben auch ihr Gutes (Die Zeit, 2009)

Prof. Westermann actively engages in public economic discourse through op-eds and policy contributions in leading national and international newspapers. He advises on economic policy and contributes to debates on ECB transparency, TARGET2 imbalances, debt restructuring, and the interaction between monetary policy and development aid. Though specific grant funding is not detailed, his ongoing research output and institutional affiliation suggest sustained research activity.

He is a core member of the Institute of Empirical Economic Research (IEW), which fosters theory-driven empirical work and policy consultation. His chair contributes to the research profile of the School of Business Administration and Economics, particularly through seminars like the LaER Economic Research Seminar, promoting academic exchange in applied economics.