ZEW Economists Recognised for Outstanding Work
Dates and NewsGeneral Assembly of the ZEW Sponsors’ Association
At the 30th-anniversary celebration of the ZEW Sponsors’ Association of Science and Practice on 4 December, the association honoured three outstanding ZEW economists for their exceptional work. The general assembly also confirmed three new board members that had been appointed in May 2023.
“30 years of the Sponsors’ Association – a success story. Thanks to the many committed members, the association has grown into a vibrant network,” remarked Dr. Ralph Rheinboldt, chairman of the ZEW Sponsors’ Association and board member of Fuchs SE. Rheinboldt expressed special appreciation for the long-standing chairman Dr. Manfred Fuchs, acknowledging his dedication over the past three decades. He also thanked former chairmen Dr. Alexander Selent (former Fuchs SE board member) and Dr. Georg Müller (chair of MVV Energie AG), as well as former treasurer Claudia Diem (former BW-Bank board member), for their invaluable contributions to the association. Rheinboldt encouraged membership, stating, “Here, science and practice engage in meaningful dialogue from which both sides reap significant benefits. Join us. It’s well worth it!”
Prizes for exceptional ZEW research
Three ZEW researchers received this year’s prizes from the Sponsors’ Association for their outstanding achievements in research and advising over the past year.
ZEW economist Dr. Michaela Slotwinski, along with Professor Alois Stutzer from the University of Basel, received the prize for the best scientific performance. They were honoured for their study “Women Leaving the Playpen: The Emancipating Role of Female Suffrage”, published in the prestigious The Economic Journal. The study illustrates that women who were socialised in environments with existing female suffrage tend to pursue lifestyles which afford them greater economic independence. On average, they are more likely to be in gainful employment, are less likely to marry, do so later, and achieve a higher education than women who only experienced political emancipation later in life.
The prize for the best economic policy advising project went to ZEW researchers Professor Kathrine von Graevenitz and Elisa Rottner for their project “TRACE” funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. It examines the effects of climate policy regulations on the competitiveness and energy consumption of the German industry. The researchers revealed that rising electricity prices have no significant effects on companies’ revenues, employment, or investments. Consequently, they oppose a subsidisation of industrial electricity prices.
Both prizes are endowed with 5,000 euros each.
New board members confirmed; farewell to Thomas Kohl
The general assembly confirmed the new board members appointed in May 2023. Ann-Kristin Stetefeld, board member at BW-Bank, now serves as the deputy chairwoman and treasurer of the ZEW Sponsors’ Association. The board welcomed Dominik Asam, CFO at SAP SE, and Dr. Dirk Elvermann, board member at BASF. Further details about the new members are available in the May 2023 press release.
The general assembly bid farewell to the managing director of ZEW, Thomas Kohl, at the end of their meeting. Dr. Ralph Rheinboldt and Dr. Ralf Krieger, board member of Freudenberg SE, praised Kohl’s role in founding, establishing, and advancing the Sponsors’ Association, highlighting him as a driving force. They credited his tireless dedication and decisive contributions that propelled the association to greater prominence, attracting numerous distinguished members.
30 Years of the ZEW Sponsors’ Association
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the ZEW Sponsors’ Association. Founded in 1993 by 14 companies in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, the association has since evolved into a dynamic network comprising nearly 150 regional and national companies, as well as notable individuals. Together, they share a common mission – to champion cutting-edge research at ZEW Mannheim and facilitate the seamless exchange of knowledge between research and practice. For more information, please visit the website of the Sponsors’ Association (in German only).
