Stephan L. Thomsen

Stephan L. Thomsen is a Professor and Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Policy at Leibniz University Hannover. He holds leadership roles in multiple academic and policy institutions, including the Centre for Economic Policy Studies and the Leibniz Research Center Science and Society (LCSS). His research focuses on empirical economics, econometrics, policy evaluation, labour economics, education economics, migration, and social security.

Education & Career:

• Since 2017: Research Fellow, Global Labor Organization
• Since 2016: Spokesperson, Research Centre for the Lower Saxony Company Panel
• Since 2007: Research Professor at the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), Mannheim

Research Interests: Thomsen’s work emphasizes applied econometrics, policy evaluation, and the socioeconomic impacts of education reforms, migration, and social policies. He has contributed to understanding wage gaps between migrants and natives, effects of higher education expansion, and refugee integration through adult education.

Publications: His recent work spans topics like the financial challenges faced by students during the pandemic, the impact of the Bologna Process on apprenticeships, and the role of public childcare in preventing child maltreatment. Over 120 peer-reviewed articles and reports highlight his interdisciplinary approach.

Awards & Grants: Active in third-party funded projects, including evaluations of education policies and labor market interventions. Serves on advisory boards for institutions like the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) and the German government’s poverty report.

Lab/Teams: Leads the Research Centre for the Lower Saxony Company Panel and collaborates with the LCSS on societal and scientific policy issues.