Welcome to the ZEW Alumni Community!

“ZEW wouldn’t be the same without its alumni”

Looking to stay connected with former colleagues after your time at ZEW? ZEW is committed to continuing the journey with you as an alumnus/alumna. Join our lively alumni network to keep personal and academic ties strong with both current and former colleagues. Connect with us on LinkedIn through the ZEW Alumni group (in German) or reach out to us directly!

Your feedback, even the critical kind, is invaluable in shaping this community to our mutual benefit.

Professor Dr. Frauke Schleer-van Gellecom

Partner at PwC and Professor for Decision Intelligence at Justus Liebig University Giessen

2011-2013 PhD student in ZEW’s “International Financial Markets and Financial Management” Unit

“My time at ZEW has ideally prepared me for my future career. The unique combination of academic research and practical advisory work has enabled me to work innovatively while simultaneously gaining insight into the challenges and potential solutions for businesses.”

Claire Gavard, PhD

Economist at DG CLIMA, European Commission

2015-2022 Advanced Researcher in ZEW’s “Environmental and Climate Economics” Unit

“At ZEW, I analysed environmental and climate policies, using modelling and econometric techniques. This experience has proven invaluable in my present role at the European Commission. At DG CLIMA, I coordinate economic analyses for the impact assessment of policy proposals, and I interact with other international economic institutions. Seven years in Germany is also an asset to better understand the position of one of the largest EU Member States on specific policies.”

Dr. Vigen Nikogosian

Co-founder & Managing Director of Sunvigo GmbH

2008-2013 PhD student at ZEW’s “Competition and Regulation” Group

“Early on, I knew that I wanted to become an entrepreneur. My time pursuing a doctorate at ZEW not only provided me with the crucial professional know-how for the successful establishment of Sunvigo, but I also acquired valuable soft skills that continue to benefit me to this day.”

Professor Dr. Elisabeth Müller

Full Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, IESEG School of Management, Paris and Lille

2004-2010 Senior Researcher in ZEW’s “Economics of Innovation and Industrial Dynamics” Unit

“From my postdoc phase until today, ZEW has been a steadfast companion in my ongoing journey in the realm of academia. Even now, as a professor in Paris within an entirely different research and education system, I find joy in returning to Mannheim regularly as a Research Associate to collaborate with my colleagues at ZEW on shared projects. This enduring connection to ZEW is consistently inspiring and greatly enriches my scientific work.”

Stephan Reichert

Administrative Director at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

2009-2019 at ZEW as advisor to the executive directors, head of the Strategic Planning Unit and, finally, head of the “General Services” Unit

 “In addition to a great team spirit, ZEW offers its employees ample opportunities for further education. I experienced continuous professional and personal growth, which truly enriched my time at the institute.”

Dr. Jens Köke

Head of Finance & Operations AIM at Allianz France

1998-2002 PhD student in ZEW’s “International Financial Markets and Financial Management” Unit

“During my four years as a PhD student at ZEW, I also gained valuable insights into working on third-party funded projects. Both types of research were strongly empirical, which helped me prepare for a career in the insurance industry. A significant benefit of working at third-party funded projects was that they taught me how to achieve solid results within a short time frame.”

Professor Dr. Martin Kesternich

Professor of Economics, in particular Sustainability, and spokesperson for the Paderborn Research Center for Sustainable Economy at the University of Paderborn

2010-2023 PhD student, postdoc and finally deputy head of ZEW’s “Environmental and Climate Economics” Unit

“As a Research Associate and alumni, I regularly return to ZEW – whether it’s for collaborative work on research projects with former colleagues or, for example, attending the annual alumni meetings. These provide an excellent opportunity for me to maintain my network. The exchange with new members of the ZEW family is also very inspiring for me. This ensures that my connection to the institute continues to flourish.”

Placements

ZEW alumni pursue a wide variety of careers: Many stay in research, others are drawn to ministries, international organisations or companies.

Note regarding the chart

The accessible alternative of this chart is available via the highchart menu in "View data table" and, for screen reader users, the texts for the information displayed on hover in the corresponding screen reader notes.

Events

The annual ZEW alumnae and alumni events are a highlight in our event calendar. These gatherings focus on the social interaction among current and former ZEW members and provide an opportunity for in-depth discussions about ZEW’s work, career paths post-ZEW, and any other topics of interest.

Contact

Katharina Kober

Katharina Kober

International Co-operation and Public Relations Officer Email katharina.kober@zew.de Phone +49 (0)621 1235-302
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