About us

Economy. Policy. Science.

German Institute for Economic Research

The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) is one of the leading economic research institutions in Germany. Its core mandates are applied economic research and economic policy consulting as well as provision of research infrastructure. As an independent non-profit institution, DIW Berlin is committed to serving the common good. The institute was founded in 1925 by the name of Institut für Konjunkturforschung (Institute for economic cycle research). Since 1982, the Research Infrastructure SOEP (German Socio-Economic Panel Study), a long-term study, is affiliated to DIW Berlin. Ever since its foundation, the DIW has been located in Berlin.

Thematically, the scientific work of the Institute is divided into nine Research Departments: Macroeconomics; Forecasting and Economic Policy; Development and Security; Energy, Transportation, Environment; Climate Policy; Innovation, Manufacturing, Service; Competition and Consumers; Public Economics and Education Policy.

It has been headquartered in Berlin since its founding. As a member the Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, DIW Berlin is predominantly publicly funded.


Statutory Bodies

DIW Berlin is a registered organization. Its statutory bodies are the members’ meeting, the board of trustees, the executive board, the scientific advisory board, and the Survey Committee (SOEP).


The Executive Board of DIW Berlin

DIW Berlin is chaired by Prof. Dr. Gert G.Wagner and is supported by Deputy Chairman Prof. Georg Weizsäcker, Ph.D. and Managing Director Dr. Cornelius Richter. Together they form the executive board.