If you're an economist looking for the very best think tanks and research institutes in Europe, look no further, you're in the right place. Here's our top ten list to help you out:

 

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1. Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

London, United Kingdom
The CEPR is a think tank that focuses on economic policy-making, particularly within Europe. It is organised as a “thinknet”, meaning it's mostly comprised of a network of economists who are affiliated with the research centre but not directly employed by it. It does also have a smaller team of in-house research staff. Most of the work undertaken is collaborative.

2. Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Bonn, Germany
The IZA is a research institute with a focus on labour economics. It strives to use academic research to influence policy and, more specifically, raise awareness of labour issues. Its mission is to achieve a fair balance of wealth, both between individuals and society.

3. DIW Berlin (Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung)

Berlin, Germany
The German Institute for Economic Research is a prominent research institution that works on the economics and social aspects of current events in order to produce evidence-based policy advice. This includes advice in the areas of sustainability and the environment, industrial economics, and forecasting future economic conditions.

4. ifo Institut - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung an der Universität München

München, Germany
The Information and Research Institute (IFO) is part of the Center for Economic Studies in Munich. Its focus is on the applied economic research, aiming to build bridges between academic research and public discussion and policy. It works on both European and global issues, including energy and climate, public finance, and labour economics.

5. Institutet för Näringslivsforskning (IFN)

Stockholm, Sweden
The Research Institute of Industrial Economics is a foundation for research on trade and industry. More specifically it looks into topics like entrepreneurship, the effect of globalization on businesses, the economics of the service sector, and energy economics.

6. Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

Dublin, Ireland
This research institution works in the areas of economics and sociology. Its aim is to understand economic and social change in an internationalised context, in order to inform policy-making. Its work places particular focus on the relationship between Ireland and the European Union.

7. RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung

Essen, Germany
The Leibniz Institute for Economic Research carries out research in the areas of economic development and its catalysts; provides assistance to policymakers, and promotes economic literacy among the public. It specialises in labour economics, health economics, the environment, and macroeconomics.

8. Rimini Centre for Economic Analysis (RCEA)

Rimini, Italy
This organisation conducts research in the areas of applied economics, theoretical economics, and other related fields including econometrics. It has strong collaborative links with Canada, and covers both European and global issues.

9.  Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB)

Nürnberg, Germany
The Institute for Employment Research focuses on the labour market and uses its research to advise political actors and policymakers. It employs sociologists and other social scientists in addition to economists. Most of its work looks at labour market changes within both international and regional contexts.

10. Bruegel

Brussels, Belgium
Bruegel is a think tank with a focus on macroeconomics and national and international governance. Generally, it covers topics like financial regulation and energy and climate. It also enjoys extensive public outreach and provides information for lay people on current affairs topics such as Brexit and the management of the Euro.