Michael Berlemann

Prof. Dr. Michael Berlemann serves as Scientific Director of the Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI) since March 2022 and holds a professorship in Economics at Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg since July 2007. He also maintains a research professor position at the ifo Institute for Economic Research since 2010 and serves as editor-in-chief of the journal "Review of Economics" since 2013.

Berlemann earned his doctorate in 1999 from the Technical University of Dresden with research on political-economic theories of inflation and the business cycle, followed by his habilitation in 2004 on methods of inflation forecasting at the same institution. His academic journey includes serving as Managing Director of the Dresden branch of the ifo Institute for Economic Research prior to his Hamburg appointment.

Professor Berlemann's research spans applied econometrics, climate change economics, migration studies, macroeconomics, political economy, SME research, economic analysis of law, and health economics. His work frequently examines how natural disasters impact economic behavior, policy responses, and wellbeing across different economic contexts. Recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on flood and wildfire impacts on household behavior, regional economic performance, and political outcomes, with methodological approaches that combine advanced econometric techniques with theoretical economic frameworks.

His publication record demonstrates consistent engagement with both theoretical economic frameworks and practical policy implications, particularly regarding climate change adaptation strategies and economic resilience. Berlemann's research often bridges academic inquiry with real-world economic challenges, addressing issues of significant contemporary relevance.

As Scientific Director of HWWI, Berlemann leads economic forecasting efforts for Germany, with regular publications analyzing Germany's economic trajectory amidst geopolitical challenges like the war in Ukraine. His leadership extends to the Cluster of Excellence "Climate, Climatic Change, and Society" (CLICCS) at the University of Hamburg since 2019, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary climate research.