Armin Falk is a Professor of Economics at the University of Bonn, leading the BonnEconLab since 2004 and co-founding the briq Institute on Behavior & Inequality. He holds affiliations with the IZA, DIW, CEPR, and Max-Planck-Institut. His research focuses on behavioral economics, exploring how social preferences like fairness and trust influence decision-making, and investigates early childhood development's role in inequality. Falk has received prestigious awards, including the Leibniz Prize and Yrjö Jahnsson Award. His work combines lab experiments, field studies, and representative data analysis. Education includes a PhD in Economics from the University of Zurich after studies in Economics, Philosophy, and History at the University of Cologne. Key research highlights include global climate action support studies (Nature Climate Change, 2024), socioeconomic disparities in child development (JPE, 2021), and global economic preferences surveys (QJE, 2018). He co-authored the book *Warum es so schwer ist, ein guter Mensch zu sein* to popularize behavioral economics. Awards include recognition for contributions to behavioral and development economics. Mentoring programs like *Balu und Du* aim to reduce educational inequality. His work bridges academic research with public discourse through media contributions and policy engagement.
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyGermany
Alissa Mittnik is a Group Leader at the Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. She leads the 'MySocialBeIng' group, focusing on integrating archaeoscience to reconstruct social systems like kinship, gender roles, and mobility patterns in ancient societies. Her work bridges genetics, archaeology, and cultural studies to understand prehistoric populations. Education: PhD in 2016: University of Tübingen (Investigating Social Dynamics via Ancient DNA) Studies in Biology at Washington University (USA), University of Rostock, and University of Tübingen Research Interests: Genetic correlates of cultural transitions and social hierarchies Mobility in the ancient Mediterranean Archaeogenetic analysis of prehistoric populations Applications of ancient DNA to reconstruct migration and kinship networks Key Projects: Co-led the 'Times of Upheaval' project (2016-2018) on Bronze Age societal changes Published extensively on European, Mediterranean, and African prehistoric populations Lab/Team: Her group combines genomic, isotopic, and archaeological data to address questions about human migration, social organization, and cultural evolution.
Valentina Di Stasio is a Full-time Professor of Sociology at the European University Institute's Department of Political and Social Sciences. She joined the EUI in 2024 after holding positions as Assistant and Associate Professor at Utrecht University, where she co-founded and co-led the Interuniversity Network on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Her academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship at Nuffield College, University of Oxford, and research positions at the WZB Social Science Center in Berlin. Di Stasio earned her PhD from the University of Amsterdam in 2014 with a dissertation titled 'Why education matters to employers: A vignette study in Italy, England and the Netherlands,' which received the 'Best PhD thesis of the year' award from the European Consortium for Sociological Research (ECSR). Her research primarily addresses labor market inequalities with a focus on gender, ethnic, and racial discrimination. She employs comparative approaches and experimental methods including correspondence tests and factorial surveys. Her recent work examines Islamophobia, anti-Muslim discrimination, and ethnic and gender stereotypes from an intersectional perspective. In 2021, she received an ERC Starting Grant for the TARGETS project (2022-2027), a cross-national multi-actor study on ethnic discrimination in the workplace, and currently serves as co-PI of the Horizon Europe project EqualStrength. Di Stasio's publications span high-impact journals including Annual Review of Sociology, British Journal of Sociology, and Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. Her recent research output demonstrates a consistent focus on discrimination mechanisms across European labor markets, with particular attention to religious, ethnic, and gender intersections. ERC Starting Grant for TARGETS project (2022-2027) Best PhD thesis award from European Consortium for Sociological Research She supervises PhD students including Chiara Guasti and Maša Krajnc, and has coordinated significant research projects including the GEMM project, the first cross-nationally harmonized correspondence test conducted simultaneously in five countries (Britain, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain). Her work combines theoretical innovation with methodological rigor, contributing substantially to our understanding of discrimination processes in contemporary European societies.
Prof. Dr. Zerrin Salikutluk is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Social Sciences , affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities, Social and Educational Sciences at Humboldt University of Berlin . Her research focuses on migration, gender dynamics, labor market integration, and structural discrimination in Germany and comparative European contexts. Her work explores discrimination and racism , particularly in health and employment outcomes, along with educational aspirations of immigrant-origin youth. Recent publications address the far-right political impact on societal cohesion and intergenerational mobility in migrant families. As the Women's* representative, she advocates for gender equity within the institute. She can be reached at zerrin.salikutluk@hu-berlin.de or via postal address Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin.
Kai Gehring is a Professor for Political Economy and Sustainable Development at the Department of Economics, University of Bern, and a member of the interdisciplinary Wyss Academy for Nature in Bern. He is also a research professor associated with the ifo Institute in Munich. His academic affiliations include CESifo, the European Development Network (EUDN), the Development Economics Committee of the German Economic Association, and the Globalization and Development (GlaD) group. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Göttingen (with co-supervision from Heidelberg University), where his supervisors were Axel Dreher and Stephan Klasen, and he graduated summa cum laude . He earned his Diplom (equivalent to M.Sc.) in Business Administration with electives in Economics from the University of Mannheim, and previously studied at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Kai Gehring’s research focuses on political economy, development, and public economics. He develops theoretical frameworks grounded in economics and related disciplines and tests them using modern econometric methods, often leveraging novel administrative, geographical, and historical data. His work emphasizes the role of culture, norms, and history in shaping institutional outcomes in both developed and developing countries. Key research themes include development cooperation and aid effectiveness, the political economy of international organizations (such as the IMF, World Bank, and EU), and the origins and consequences of group identities and horizontal inequalities in conflict and power distribution. His current research projects explore narratives on nature, climate change, and migration using natural language processing and media data; analyze resource extraction and pollution through satellite imagery and machine learning; and investigate propaganda and conflict. Although no recent publications are listed in the provided text, his methodological approach combines theory, rigorous empirical analysis, and innovative data sources across political economy and development. Ambizione Grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation Kai Gehring has supervised various research initiatives, including the "Minister Project," a citizen-science effort to compile comprehensive data on African government members’ regional and linguistic origins to study governance and development. He has received research funding through the Ambizione Grant and leads interdisciplinary collaborations with institutions such as the Wyss Academy and ifo Institute. His teaching experience spans the University of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, and the University of Zurich. He leads the "Minister Project," which engages global contributors to collect data on African ministers’ birth regions and native languages. This initiative aims to build a robust dataset to analyze how ethnic and linguistic diversity affects government formation and policy outcomes. The project promotes open, collaborative research and acknowledges contributors on its website, offering incentives such as Amazon vouchers and an iPad.
Bettina Hannover is a Professor of Research on Schools and Teaching at Freie Universität Berlin within the Department of Education and Psychology, Division of School and Teaching Research. She has held this position since 2002 and has been a leading figure in educational and social psychology in Germany. Her research interests span Educational Psychology , Self and Identity , Gender and Education , Stereotype Threat , Teacher Education , and the Integration of Migrant and Refugee Students . She has developed a cognitive model of the self and investigates how social and cultural contexts shape identity and educational outcomes. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on stereotype threat , identity development , peer relationships , and gender dynamics in educational settings. Her work combines experimental, longitudinal, and intervention-based approaches, often in collaboration with national and international partners. She has received significant recognition, including the Heisenberg Scholarship from the German Science Foundation. Heisenberg Scholarship, German Science Foundation (1995) Bettina Hannover has led numerous funded research projects and advised on educational policy through her work with the Aktionsrat Bildung . She has also been active in academic governance, serving on editorial boards, selection committees for major prizes, and scientific advisory councils. Her work bridges basic research and applied educational interventions, particularly in promoting equity and inclusion in schools. She leads research on teacher competencies, evidence-based teaching (e.g., K2teach project), and the social integration of diverse student populations. Her lab and team focus on experimental and longitudinal studies in real-world school contexts, often involving large-scale data collection and intervention evaluations.
Bastian Becker is a Research Fellow in Political Science at the Department of Social Sciences, Humboldt-University of Berlin. He holds a PhD from Central European University and has held postdoctoral positions at the University of Bremen and Bard College Berlin. Currently, he works under Prof. Dr. Hanna Schwander at the Chair of Political Sociology and Social Policy. His research focuses on the political economy of inequality, colonial legacies, and development, employing comparative and behavioral approaches. He has contributed to journals like Political Science Research and Methods and World Development . His work also involves collaborations with institutions such as the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) and the German International Cooperation (GIZ). Becker’s educational background includes a PhD in Political Science from Central European University, followed by postdoctoral research at institutions in Germany and the U.S. His expertise spans colonial policy analysis, social redistribution dynamics, and the historical roots of contemporary political systems. He has served as an Interim Chair (visiting professor) of Comparative Politics at Humboldt-University, reflecting his engagement with teaching and institutional leadership. His research interests bridge historical political economy and contemporary policy, examining topics such as wealth origins’ impact on redistribution attitudes, colonial labor policies in Africa, and gender equality legacies of Christian missions. He has developed datasets like COLDAT to study African colonial history, emphasizing empirical rigor and interdisciplinary methods. Becker’s current projects include the DYNAMICS initiative and participation in the Progressive Politics Research Network. He actively engages with public discourse through media contributions and policy consultations, aiming to bridge academic research and societal challenges.
Marion Müller is a Full Professor (W3) of Sociology with focus on Gender Studies at the University of Tübingen, affiliated with the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences and the Department of Sociology. She has held this position since 2016 after serving as Junior Professor at the University of Trier (2013-2016). Her academic background includes a dissertation from Bielefeld University (2008) and sociology degree from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (2002), with studies spanning sociology, political science, and cultural anthropology. Her research program examines complex social differentiation mechanisms through multiple lenses: Theoretical frameworks: General sociology, interaction theory, globalization studies Human differentiation: Gender, ethnicity, disability, and categorical boundary formation Embodied practices: Sociology of the body, sports sociology, pregnancy/childbirth Global systems: World society theory, institutional categorization, human rights Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on deconstructing social categorization in bodily practices—particularly in sports contexts—with evolving attention to global governance mechanisms. Recent works examine institutional categorization of indigenous peoples and disability, building on earlier sports-related gender/ethnicity research. Major recognitions include: Fritz Thyssen Foundation Prize (2014) for racial category analysis German Sociological Association dissertation award (2010) Bielefeld University dissertation prize (2009) DGS qualification thesis award (2002) Teaching responsibilities span bachelor/master programs in sociological theory, gender studies, and qualitative methods. Student advising occurs through scheduled office hours and thesis colloquia, though no specific grant or lab information is documented.
Melinda Erdmann is a Research Fellow at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center, focusing on educational inequality, guidance counseling, and post-secondary education decisions. She leads the ZuBAb project examining future and career plans of high school students. Previously, she researched first-year university experiences and study success at the University of Potsdam. Her work emphasizes experimental methods, such as randomized controlled trials, to evaluate interventions addressing educational disparities. Erdmann holds a Magister in Sociology from the University of Potsdam (2012), with minors in Philosophy and Business Administration. She has extensive experience in higher education studies, including roles as Deputy Director of the Centre for Quality Development at the University of Potsdam and as an exchange student at the University of Technology Sydney. Her research interests span educational policy, gender studies, and social stratification, with a focus on reducing inequality through effective counseling programs. She has collaborated on projects funded by Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), investigating interventions to improve educational transitions. Erdmann's recent publications highlight the impact of guidance counseling on university enrollment, gender segregation in higher education, and methodological advancements in evaluating educational interventions. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy recommendations, aiming to enhance equity in education systems. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in her profile, though her contributions to educational equity research are widely recognized. Erdmann is affiliated with the Research Department Skill Formation and Labor Markets at WZB, contributing to interdisciplinary teams studying labor market dynamics and skill development.
Prof. Dr. Ulrike Lindner is affiliated with the University of Cologne , where she works at the Historical Institute, Department of Modern History . Her research focuses on colonial history, labor exploitation, and global inequalities. Current Research: The Production and Reproduction of Social Inequalities TRR 228 Future Rural Africa Colonialism without colonies – Rhenish colonial revisionism Completed Research: MIGKNOW: Migrating Knowledge (Marie-Curie Action) Forms of bonded labor Her recent work explores labor regulation in colonial contexts, postcolonial planning in Tanzania, and gendered imperial formations. Publications span journals like Zanj and Journal of Global History . Contact: ulrike.lindner@uni-koeln.de | Web Profile
Ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of MunichGermany
Professor Nikolaus Wolf is a faculty member at the Department of Economics, Humboldt University of Berlin, and a CESifo Research Network Fellow. He is affiliated with the Global Economy research area at CESifo. His work focuses on international trade, economic history, macroeconomics, and monetary policy, with a particular emphasis on historical economic dynamics and globalization processes. Research Interests: Professor Wolf explores the interplay between economic systems and historical contexts, including the impact of energy transitions (e.g., coal and oil), cultural factors like dialects and religion on trade, and the structural challenges of economic integration. His research often spans long-term historical periods, such as the interwar years and the Austro-Hungarian Empire era. Recent Work Trends: His publications since 2008 highlight themes such as the persistence of borders on trade, the origins of microfinance, and regional economic disparities in Europe. He frequently collaborates with institutions like CESifo, producing policy-relevant analyses on globalization, historical economic policies, and the consequences of geopolitical shifts. Awards & Affiliations: While no specific awards are listed, his affiliation with CESifo as a distinguished researcher underscores his academic standing. His work is disseminated through CESifo Working Papers, contributing to debates on global economic institutions and historical economic phenomena. Advising & Grants: No advising or grant information is explicitly provided in the text, but his extensive co-authorship network suggests active collaboration in research teams. His work is supported by institutional affiliations like Humboldt University and CESifo. Labs/Teams: While no specific labs are mentioned, his affiliation with CESifo implies participation in collaborative research networks focused on global economic issues.
University of Music, Drama and Media HanoverGermany
Christoph Klimmt is a full professor and head of the Department of Journalism and Communication Research at Leibniz University Hannover. His academic journey began with a PhD in 2004 on interactive entertainment, followed by roles as a junior professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (2007-2010) and leadership of the EU project ‘Fun of Gaming: FUGA’ (2006-2009). His research focuses on entertaining media use , media reception and effects , and new media technologies . Recent publications explore topics like trust in health communication, digital inspiration in social media, and the impact of narrative news formats. Editorial leadership in Journal of Media Psychology (2018-2020) Editorial board member of Media Psychology (since 2005) and Journal of Communication (2007-2014) His work on media entertainment theory, including the synergistic multiprocess model for video games, has been influential in communication studies. He also addresses societal issues like biotech food misconceptions, road safety campaigns, and ethical challenges in digital media.
Prof. Silvana Greco is an Honorary Professor of Sociology of Judaism at the Institute of Jewish Studies, Freie Universität Berlin since 2023, and a Privatdozentin (Senior Lecturer) at the Institute of Sociology, Technische Universität Dresden since 2022. She holds a Habilitation in Sociology (2021, TU Dresden), a Ph.D. in Sociology (2005, University of Milan), and a Magister in Economics (1993, Bocconi University). As Vice-President of Fondazione Palazzo Bondoni Pastorio , she curates cultural programs, including art exhibitions like "The Renaissance speaks Hebrew" (2019) and "The Gold of Mirandola" (2014-2015). Education M.A. in Economics, Bocconi University (1993) Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Milan (2005) Habilitation in Sociology, TU Dresden (2021) Research Interests span the Sociology of Judaism , focusing on Jewish identity in diaspora and Israel; Jewish culture from the Renaissance to the 21st century , including theater and artistic practices; Shoah studies through biographies of survivors and recognition struggles; and Sociology of the Body and Emotions , with attention to migration, social exclusion, and cultural hybridity. Her work intersects with history of sociology , friendship theory , and gender perspectives in Jewish and European contexts. Publications since 2018 include Moses Dobruska and the Invention of Social Philosophy (2022, DeGruyter), The Renaissance speaks Hebrew (2019, Silvana Editoriale), and entries in the Encyclopedia of Quality of Life (2023, Springer). She has contributed to Shoah memory studies , health sociology , and gender in Renaissance art . Scientific Awards include the Goldmedaille des italienischen Staatspräsidenten for her exhibition curation. She serves on editorial boards for Social Sciences (since 2023) and Quaderni di Teoria Sociale (since 2022), and is active in the European Association for Jewish Studies (since 2019). Academic Leadership includes curating art exhibitions (e.g., with Giulio Busi) and coordinating cultural activities at Fondazione Palazzo Bondoni Pastorio. Her teaching at Freie Universität Berlin (since 2017) covers topics like "Jewish Identity in Modernity" and "Body Images in Judaism".
Prof. Dr. Rainer Riemann is a faculty member at Bielefeld University within the Faculty of Chemistry and its Physical Chemistry I - Kohse-Höinghaus department. While his formal affiliation is with a chemistry faculty, his research expertise spans behavioral genetics, personality, temperament, intelligence, and gene-environment interactions, suggesting a multidisciplinary focus.
Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of BonnGermany
Dr. Julia Mink is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the University of Bonn, specializing in empirical environmental and health economics. Her research focuses on quantifying societal costs of pollution, climate change, and inequality through quasi-experimental methods and large-scale data analysis. Current affiliations: Institute for Applied Microeconomics, University of Bonn Previous affiliations: French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) Her research combines environmental economics with health outcomes, emphasizing: Health impacts of air pollution and agricultural pesticides Inequality distribution in pollution exposure Climate resilience via healthcare systems Long-term socioeconomic impacts of disasters Recent publications analyze air pollution healthcare costs, pesticide effects on child development, and climate shocks in sub-Saharan Africa. She collaborates with researchers in Berkeley, Paris, and within the University of Bonn. Teaching roles: Environmental Economics (Graduate), Introductory Econometrics (Undergraduate) Argelander Professorship recipient
