Thomas Kurer

Thomas Kurer is an Assistant Professor of Politics and Inequality at the University of Zurich's Department of Political Science, affiliated with the 'Equality of Opportunity' research program and the Cluster of Excellence 'The Politics of Inequality' at the University of Konstanz. His research focuses on the political implications of labor market transformation, technological change, and occupational change, particularly regarding social inequality and electoral behavior. Kurer holds a PhD (summa cum laude) from the University of Zurich and has held postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University and the European University Institute.

Education includes a PhD in Political Science (2014-2018) and a Master's from University of Zurich and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2012-2014). He has conducted policy consultancy work for the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and taught courses on topics like 'The Political Consequences of Technological Change' and 'Swiss Elections'.

His research highlights how technological changes shape regional voting patterns, automation's impact on policy preferences, and the relationship between economic risk and radical right support. Key findings include the role of downward mobility in electoral shifts and the importance of place-based grassroots campaigning. Awards include a Cluster of Excellence Grant (EUR 600k) and NORFACE Network funding (EUR 1.5m).

• Teaching: Leads 'The Political Consequences of Technological Change' and co-teaches 'The Politics of Inequality'
• Grants: Cluster of Excellence, NORFACE Network, SNF Research Project on Social Hierarchies
• Labs/Teams: Part of interdisciplinary research programs on equality and political inequality