ifo Institute

Sarah Necker decided to pursue a career in science because she loves the search for truth and the scientific freedom that comes with it. After leaving school, she first trained as an advertising saleswoman, where the focus was on purchasing decisions: Understanding and influencing the mechanisms of human behavior. She wanted to pursue this further.

Niklas Potrafke is Professor of Economics and Head of the Center for Public Finance and Political Economy at the ifo Institute. From an early age, he was fascinated by the question of how the state, society and the economy are interrelated – a curiosity that still drives him today to clearly identify complex connections and sometimes speak the uncomfortable truth.

Annalí Casanueva’s journey to science began with a deep-rooted desire to change the world. She grew up in Mexico and was exposed to the harsh conditions of poverty and inequality that shaped her young ambitions. 

Marcel Thum’s professional journey began with curiosity, but also with doubts. During his doctorate, there were times in which his career progressed in a straight line, and others in which he had the feeling that nothing was working out at all. He first gained recognition very quickly, when he published research papers which passed the review process relatively smoothly early on in the dissertation phase – a moment that felt really good. 

It was clear early on that Lisandra Flach was drawn toward a career in science. Flach describes herself as someone who was always curious, even as a child. This motivation goes far beyond purely intellectual inquisitiveness.

The Credibility Revolution in macroeconomics was a key factor that motivated Sebastian Wichert to pursue a career in science.