Reto Odermatt

Dr. Reto Odermatt is a Lecturer and Research Assistant at the Faculty of Economics (WWZ) of the University of Basel. His primary affiliation is with the Center for Research in Economics and Well-Being (CREW). He holds a PhD and specializes in behavioral economics, public policy, and well-being research. His work bridges economic theory with real-world policy analysis, particularly focusing on health economics, tobacco control, and entrepreneurial behavior.

Research Interests
Dr. Odermatt’s research explores how individual aspirations and life events impact subjective well-being. He investigates topics such as the misprediction of happiness following life changes (e.g., self-employment, home ownership), the effects of tobacco control policies on smoking behavior, and the psychological mechanisms behind economic decisions. His work often integrates quantitative methods with interdisciplinary perspectives from psychology and sociology.

Publications
His recent publications address topics like medical marijuana laws and mental health, the role of aspirations in intergenerational mobility, and the impact of smoking bans on life satisfaction. His research highlights the importance of evidence-based policy design, particularly in health and labor markets.

Professional Activities
He contributes to the WWZ’s academic community through teaching and research coordination. His affiliations include the CREW, where he collaborates on projects analyzing well-being and economic policies. He also maintains an active presence in academic networks, presenting at conferences and publishing in leading journals.