Volker Meier

Prof. Dr. Volker Meier is a leading economist at the ifo Center for Labor Market and Population Economics, specializing in social policy, public finance, health economics, and economic analysis of law. His academic career includes serving as Deputy Chair of Economics and Public Finance at the University of Munich and Deputy Chair roles at the Universities of Vienna, Mainz, and Magdeburg.

• Habilitation (1997): Theory of Long-Term Care Insurance, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
• PhD (1993): Migration Incentives and Effects, Universität Bielefeld
• Diplom in Economics (1990), Universität Hamburg

Meier’s research focuses on the economic implications of social welfare systems, family policies, climate policy, higher education funding, and migration. His work often bridges theoretical models with empirical analysis, addressing real-world policy challenges.

Recent publications highlight his expertise in redistribution mechanisms, sustainable finance, and parental leave policies. Meier’s 2024 article Political Economy of Redistribution examines inequality in family support systems, while his 2023 work on Sustainable Finance critiques EU climate policy frameworks.

Scientific awards include the ifo Hauptpreis (2002) for third-party funding excellence and the Christian-Wolff-Preis (1998) for empirical research. He has secured multiple stipends, including from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes.