Evidence-Based Economics
Successful economic policy requires a solid understanding of the causal effects of policy interventions: Which behavioral implications can policies have for firms and individuals? How can public intervention be designed optimally? To answer these questions, sound proficiency in identifying truly causal relationships is crucial. For this purpose, the international doctorate program “Evidence-Based Economics” strongly emphasizes the joint relevance of theory-based, experimental and empirical methods.
Degree | PhD |
Duration of study | Six Semesters |
Place of study | Munich, Nürnberg, Regensburg |
Admission requirements | Master’s degree in Economics or related fields |
Language | English |
Application deadline | See official announcements Further information on application |
Head | Prof. Dr. Joachim Winter |
Coordinator | Julia Zimmermann Contact the coordinator |
Further information | Website Evidence-Based Economics |
Answering Economic Questions in an Evidence-Based Paradigm
The aim of the International Doctorate Program is to provide doctoral students with the diverse methodological skills required to perform innovative, state-of-the art economics research within the EBE research agenda, and to apply these skills to important real-world problems. In the past two decades, experimental economists and econometricians have developed new tools to identify causal effects.
These tools include laboratory experiments, (quasi-)natural and field experiments, and sophisticated identification strategies in field studies. In contrast to other doctoral programs, EBE puts special emphasis on the integration of these methods alongside economic theory. The EBE program takes the position that any experimental or empirical investigation must be based on a solid theoretical foundation.


The structure of the international doctorate program offers an ideal environment for comprehensive and in-depth methodological training and enables the doctoral students to rapidly enter the realm of evidence-based analysis of economic questions.
Prof. Dr. Joachim Winter