Ludger Wößmann

Ludger Wößmann is a full Professor of Economics (Education Economics) at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Director of the ifo Center for Educational Economics. He combines empirical microeconomic methods with policy-relevant education research, focusing on international student assessments and long-term economic impacts of education.

• PhD in Economics (Kiel University, 2001)
• Habilitation (Technische Universität München, 2006)
• Advanced Studies in International Economic Policy Research (Kiel Institute for World Economics, 1999-2003)

His research spans education economics, economic growth, economic history, and policy evaluation. He analyzes how institutional frameworks affect school efficiency, student achievement, and social mobility, particularly through international assessments like PISA and PIAAC.

Recent work explores patience and risk-taking in human capital formation, mentoring interventions for disadvantaged youth, and cognitive skill retention in aging populations. His 2025 studies examine multidimensional human capital and regional skill disparities.

• Hermann Heinrich Gossen Prize
• Gustav Stolper Prize
• Young Economist Award
• EIB Prize
• Choppin Memorial Award

He leads the ifo Center for Educational Economics and participates in major networks like the European Expert Network on the Economics of Education. His policy insights regularly appear in Education Next, Journal of Economic Policy, and Science commentaries.