UBS Center | Economics. For Society Home Contact Department of Economics DE EN Home Research News & events Events Speakers News Insights Publications Public Papers Policy Briefs Nobel Opinions A Closer Look Authors Scholarships About us Contact People Newsletter Thought Supply | Learn more News & insights Aug 2026 Insights/Dialogue & Events Festivities and academic conference in honor of Ernst Fehr Ernst Fehr has always seen what others missed – the connections between disciplines, the institutions that research needs to thrive, and the partnerships that make lasting impact possible. As he celebrates his 70th birthday, the UBS Center takes this as an opportunity to highlight a career that has shaped behavioral economics as a field, and Zurich’s Department of Economics as a world-class institution. Explore a selection of work, conversations, and tributes that reflect the breadth of his contribution. Aug  26 InsightsFestivities and academic conference in honor of Ernst Fehr Ernst Fehr has always seen what others missed – the connections between disciplines, the institutions that research needs to thrive, and the partnerships that make lasting impact possible. As he celebrates his 70th birthday, the UBS Center takes this as an opportunity to highlight a career that has shaped behavioral economics as a field, and Zurich’s Department of Economics as a world-class institution. Explore a selection of work, conversations, and tributes that reflect the breadth of his contribution. 14.08.26 > News David Yanagizawa-Drott appointed UBS Foundation Professor of Economics We are happy to announce that David Yanagizawa-Drott was appointed UBS Foundation Professor of Economics effective August 1, 2026. David joined the Department of Economics at the University of Zurich in 2016 and has been affiliated with the UBS Center ever since. His research interests include development economics and political economy, with a current focus on understanding the drivers of culture and norms in shaping labor markets for men and women, as well as the role of social media in shaping society. Another priority is the research concept of the Social Catalyst Lab where David and his team leverage AI to search for scalable solutions to pressing challenges in developing countries. David’s faculty affiliations include J-PAL, BREAD, EUDN, and CEPR. In 2025, he was recognized with the Yrjö Jahnsson Award for groundbreaking work in political economy and the media. 14.08.26 > News Ernst Fehr elected to the Order Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts Ernst Fehr has been elected to the Order Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts – one of Germany's highest honors for science and the arts, whose roughly 70 members include Nobel laureates Herta Müller and Svante Pääbo. Fehr is being honored for his groundbreaking research on how fairness, trust, and social norms shape human economic behavior. The formal induction ceremony will take place on May 30, 2027, at the Konzerthaus Berlin. Bundesregierung press release (in German) Aug 2026 Insights/Media How can foundations increase their impact? Which development project delivers the greatest benefit to local communities? How should a program be designed to achieve lasting impact? And into which projects should a foundation invest to maximize impact relative to cost? To answer these questions, foundations and other actors in development cooperation worldwide are turning increasingly to scientific evidence. Aug  26 InsightsHow can foundations increase their impact? Which development project delivers the greatest benefit to local communities? How should a program be designed to achieve lasting impact? And into which projects should a foundation invest to maximize impact relative to cost? To answer these questions, foundations and other actors in development cooperation worldwide are turning increasingly to scientific evidence. Aug 2026 Insights/Media "Becoming chancellor is great – but the job isn’t for wimps." Friedrich Merz has been German chancellor for one year. His approval ratings are at rock bottom, and the coalition is in turmoil. Security policy expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP) calls for a tougher stance — both from the German government and toward the enemies of democracy. Aug  26 Insights"Becoming chancellor is great – but the job isn’t for wimps." Friedrich Merz has been German chancellor for one year. His approval ratings are at rock bottom, and the coalition is in turmoil. Security policy expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP) calls for a tougher stance — both from the German government and toward the enemies of democracy. Aug 2026 Insights/Research Why the multilateral trading system is under strain today Four structural fault lines have widened the gap between the system's original design and the policy challenges it now faces: Unresolved development bargains from the failed Doha Round, China's state-driven economic model, sustainability-related regulatory spillovers, and the rapid digitalization of trade. Aug  26 InsightsWhy the multilateral trading system is under strain today Four structural fault lines have widened the gap between the system's original design and the policy challenges it now faces: Unresolved development bargains from the failed Doha Round, China's state-driven economic model, sustainability-related regulatory spillovers, and the rapid digitalization of trade. 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