DIW Berlin

Founded in 1925, DIW Berlin (the German Institute for Economic Research) is one of the leading economic research institutes in Germany. The institute analyzes the economic and social aspects of topical issues, formulating and disseminating policy advice based on its research findings. DIW Berlin is part of both the national and international scientific communities, provides research infrastructure to academics all over the world, and promotes the next generation of scientists. A member of the Leibniz Association, DIW Berlin is independent and primarily publicly funded.

DIW Berlin conducts socially relevant research in line with international standards, engages in knowledge transfer, and supports young researchers. The institute also contributes significantly to the expansion of the national and international research data infrastructure in the social and economic sciences. DIW Berlin is a member of the Leibniz Association and operates exclusively for non-profit scientific purposes.

History

The DIW Berlin has a long history. Founded in 1925 as the “Institut für Konjunkturforschung” (Institute for Business Cycle Research), it published its first Weekly Report two years later. Business research and regular publications have since become an integral part of DIW Berlin's work.

A lot has changed in 90 years. National Socialism, war, the division and reunification of Berlin and Germany have not left DIW Berlin unaffected. The institute has witnessed and accompanied all the cornerstones of economic history: from the economic crisis of 1929 to the Wirtschaftswunder years to the oil crisis and global banking and financial crisis at the beginning of the millennium.

Mission Statement

The Institute

DIW Berlin combines excellence in research, research-based policy advice, the provision of research infrastructure, and the promotion of young scientists. The institute conducts research on economic and social issues and delivers policy advice based on its findings. As an independent institution, DIW Berlin thinks and acts in an international context, providing expertise on pressing contemporary economic and social issues.

Our Work

To address the issues and questions of the future, DIW Berlin applies a multidisciplinary approach— and does so not only from a German, but also from a European and international perspective.

As a publicly funded, non-university research institution, DIW Berlin is committed to engaging in dialogue with a wider public. The institute promotes science and research as well as  international networking and provides a space for policy debates in the heart of Berlin. 

With its Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), a longitudinal research infrastructure, DIW Berlin provides excellent research data as well as points of contact for in-depth collaborations. The DIW Graduate Center offers a leading practice-oriented doctoral program in economics.

Our Values

In its research at the interface of politics, the economy, and science, DIW Berlin is committed to academic freedom as well as scientific discourse and the acquisition of knowledge.

The diversity of its employees and its focus on quality, originality, and openness allows the institute to work on a large number of policy-relevant and methodological topics. DIW Berlin is committed to providing working conditions which enable employees to achieve a work-life balance whilst fulfilling the business needs of the institute.

DIW Berlin supports the development and growth of its employees and has put a number of work-life balance and flexible working arrangements in place.