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(01/14/20) Every year, on the first weekend in January, economists from all over the world come together at the joint annual meeting of the US Allied Social Science Associations (ASSA). In spite of the extremely early date – this year's event was scheduled from 3 - 5 January – the meeting was well attended. More than 10,000 academics accepted the invitation to the Marriott and Hyatt hotels in sunny San Diego, California. The program focused on issues of current economic relevance such as the financing of healthcare systems, gender justice on the labor market, and the economic costs of climate change.

The conference also offered plenty of opportunities to connect with potential employers in global economic institutions. For the Research in Germany initiative, the career-oriented nature of the meeting also made it an excellent opportunity to showcase what the German research landscape has to offer.

In addition to the DFG, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), economics-oriented Leibniz Institutes, coordinated research programs and Research Training Groups presented themselves at the joint booth. In this way, attendees were able to discover and explore not only funding offers but also the specialist research landscape in a broad and comprehensive presentation. Visitors were very interested in the booth and took the opportunity to obtain detailed, in-depth information.

The following organizations participated in the joint booth:

• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation)
• Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (RWI)
• Thailand-Vietnam Socioeconomic Panel (TVSEP) (long-term project)
• Research Training Group Globalization and Development

The Research in Germany Science Lunch also provided a chance to learn more about research and career opportunities in Germany. Despite considerable competition in the events program, with many other societies and institutions also hosting information events and receptions, the lunch proved popular. Around 40 attendees came to the allocated workshop space. The event was also actively supported by the research community in Germany. For example, Dorothea Kübler, Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB) and a scientific member of the DFG Senate, was also present at the event.

Altogether, representatives of eight German research institutions were available to answer questions. These included a Cluster of Excellence (ECONtribute), two Leibniz Institutes (RWI and ZEW), a private research institute (IZA), a ministerial research institute (IAB), a Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio (Rationality and Competition) and two graduate programmes (Globalization and Development, and Microeconomic Determinants of Labor Productivity). These institutes presented their specific offerings and current calls for fellowship programmes and vacancies. Attendees took advantage of the opportunity to make direct contact and apply in person. "It is so good to have you here. I believe that Germany has lots to offer," commented one visitor.

In sum, ASSA 2020 was an excellent opportunity to showcase German research and research funding. It was a good start to the New Year for Research in Germany.

Further Information:

• Program and contacts for the Research in Germany Science Lunch at ASSA 2020

Further information on individual research institutions:

• Long-term project Thailand-Vietnam Socioeconomic Panel (TVSEP)
• Cluster of Excellence ECONtribute
• Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (RWI)
• Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW)
• Institute of Labor Economics (IZA) (private research institute)
• Institute for Employment Research (IAB) (ministerial research institute)
• Collaborative Research Centre: Rationality and Competition
• Graduate programme: Globalization and Development
• Graduate programme: Microeconomic Determinants of Labor Productivity