We are hiring a postdoctoral researcher in behavioural and experimental economics to join FAIR – Centre for Experimental Research on Fairness, Inequality and Rationality – at the Department of Economics, Norwegian School of Economics (NHH).
We are hiring two postdoctoral researchers in labour economics to join an international and collaborative research environment at FAIR – Centre for Experimental Research on Fairness, Inequality and Rationality – at the Department of Economics, Norwegian School of Economics (NHH).
We are hiring an Assistant or Associate Professor in behavioural economics to join the Department of Economics at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and FAIR – Centre for Experimental Research on Fairness, Inequality and Rationality.
Do people differ in what they consider fair and unfair inequality? In how they balance fairness and efficiency considerations? Or do they primarily differ in their beliefs about the source of inequality and the efficiency cost of redistribution?
On Friday 16 October, Ethan Connor O’Leary held a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defended his thesis for the PhD degree at NHH.
When is inequality fair? And why can people who agree on the ideal of meritocracy still disagree sharply about redistribution?
From 12-15 October 2026, FAIR and the Department of Economics host a PhD course on generative AI in economics and finance, led by Professor Ingar K. Haaland.
On Friday, 4 September, Marlis M. Schneider held a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defended her thesis for the PhD degree at NHH.
On Friday, 28 August, Pallavi Prabhakar held a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defended her thesis for the PhD degree at NHH.
On Wednesday, 26 August, Erika T. Povea held a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defended her thesis for the PhD degree at NHH.
On Tuesday 25 August, Qquillaccori García López held a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defended her thesis for the PhD degree at NHH.
FAIR and the Department of Economics at NHH are recruiting PhD candidates for several research projects.
FAIR researcher and NHH Professor Alexander Willén has been appointed editor of one of the leading general-interest journals in economics.
A new article examines how people project their current sense of self across time, finding that we tend to feel more similar to the person we will become in the future than the person we used to be in the past.
A new article in The Quarterly Journal of Economics examines who ultimately bears the cost when unions negotiate higher wages.
A new article in Health Policy and Planning examines whether stronger financial incentives can improve healthcare delivery beyond simpler funding reforms.
Every time Alexander W. Cappelen walks into a lecture hall, he carries with him a lesson from the theatre.
A new article in the Review of Economics and Statistics examines how people view the extreme income inequality generated by winner-take-all competitions.
A new paper in AEA Papers and Proceedings examines how educational opportunities narrow at each stage of the schooling system in Uganda, long before students reach university.
Interested in gaining experience with research projects or academic events? FAIR is now recruiting two new student assistants!
A new article in International Tax and Public Finance examines how the salience of taxes affects the use of mobile money in Tanzania.
On Tuesday, May 26, Osama Nawab held a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defended his thesis for the PhD degree at NHH.
A new article in Management Science examines how individuals and groups make decisions in environments shaped by misleading information.
A new article in the European Economic Review examines why people view inequality caused by talent as more acceptable than inequality caused by luck.
A new article in the Journal of Political Economy examines how individuals’ personal preferences are connected to the way they make decisions affecting others.
On 6-7 May, FAIR NHH hosts the annual European Development Research Network (EUDN) conference, bringing together leading development economists from across Europe.
A new article published in The Economic Journal examines how different forms of support shape the transition from secondary school to adulthood for young women in Tanzania.
We are hiring a postdoctoral researcher to work on sustainable care systems in an international and collaborative research environment.
A new study examines how the stories people tell about the economy shape their expectations and responses to inflation.
A new study examines how temporary cash transfers affected vulnerable households and businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The FAIR Annual Report 2025 is now available online. You can read it in full length here, alongside a statement from Centre Director Bertil Tungodden.
A new study published in the Journal of Development Economics examines how mental health conditions shape labour market participation by distinguishing between job take-up decisions and labour supply outcomes.
FAIR is looking for a structured and reliable student to join our administration team as a Student Assistant for Research Reporting and Communication. This is an important role that supports the Centre’s core activities, particularly related to research reporting and internal communication.
On Friday, 23 January Adrien Dautheville held a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defended his thesis for the PhD degree at NHH. Thesis: «Essays on Overconfidence and Development Economics».
A new study in the American Economic Review shows that who you go to school with matters greatly for who enters elite university programmes such as law, civil engineering, medicine, and the top business programmes.
A new article published in the Journal of Economic Literature shows how open-ended survey data are reshaping the way economists study beliefs and behaviour.
Applications are now open for the Spring School in Behavioral Economics 2026, taking place 8 - 12 March at the Rady School of Management, UC San Diego.
We are hiring two postdoctoral researchers to work on topics such as intergenerational mobility and sustainable care systems in an international and collaborative research environment.
A new study published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics shows that merit-based school admissions can unintentionally widen educational inequalities.
FAIR Centre Director Bertil Tungodden has been elected to the Board of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.
Professor Erik Ø. Sørensen has been awarded a Peder Sather Grant to advance research on transparency in economics.
On 16 - 17 September, we hosted our annual kick-off event at Panorama Hotel & Resort. The event brought together the FAIR community for academic presentations, team-building, and discussions about the future.
The Department of Economics is now accepting applications for PhD Research Scholar positions, with an application deadline of 15 September.
The Nordic countries are often praised for combining prosperity with equality. A new study looks behind the reputation to see what really explains it.
On Thursday, 28 August 2025 Weijia Wang held a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defended her thesis for the PhD degree at NHH. Thesis: «Essays on Fairness and Decision Making».
Rising inequality challenges China’s socialist market economy. A study shows Chinese views on fairness resemble Americans’, but support for redistribution matches Germany’s.
Last week was an inspiring opportunity for in-person learning with Professor Matthew Rabin (Harvard University) at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH).
Cooperation fosters moral duty toward partners, but not outsiders, a U.S. experiment by Alexander W. Cappelen, Varun Gauri and Bertil Tungodden finds — with Republicans valuing this bond less than non-Republicans.
A new paper by Julie Riise, Barton Willage, and Alexander L.P. Willén finds that greater parental sick leave access reduces children's academic and educational outcomes.
Aline Bütikofer has received NordForsk funding for her new project on how demographic shifts, health needs, and policy shape the delivery of elder care and the balance of responsibilities between families and the state.
A new paper by Aline Bütikofer, Antonio Dalla-Zuanna, and Kjell G. Salvanes finds that Norway’s oil boom raised high school dropout rates and reduced academic and university enrollment—except in engineering—mainly due to financial incentives.
Applications are now open! Matthew Rabin, Professor at Harvard University, is hosting a PhD course titled "Incorporating Psychology into Economic Models" from 11 - 14 August 2025 at FAIR NHH.
Would you like to be part of one of Europe’s leading research environments in economics? FAIR is looking for a structured and service-oriented Coordinator to join our administrative team.
The paper "Gender-biased Technological Change: Milking Machines and the Exodus of Women from Farming", by Philipp Ager, Marc Goni, and Kjell G. Salvanes, has been accepted for publication in the American Economic Review.
Bergen’s underground waste system was recently featured in The Washington Post, highlighting how a modest fee on unsorted waste has boosted recycling rates — and how research by economists at FAIR helped quantify the effect.
We are looking for a dedicated and outgoing student to join us at FAIR as a Logistics & Space Coordinator. In this role, you’ll work directly with and assist our Centre Coordinator with guest coordination, daily upkeep of our spaces, and event logistics.
The FAIR Administration team recently visited the Department of Economics at the University of Bologna for a rewarding exchange of experiences. The visit focused on how administrative teams can contribute to strong research environments through collaboration and shared practices.
Norway has the highest sickness absence in the Nordics, and rates have surged post-pandemic. Cutting sick leave benefits may reduce abuse but risks harming those truly in need.
The FAIR Development Workshop, held on May 20, 2025, brought together an outstanding group of international researchers to discuss cutting-edge work in development economics.
FAIR is looking for a skilled and motivated Research Data Manager to help strengthen our research infrastructure and data management practices.
NHH has awarded NOK 300,000 to four projects promoting gender equality through networking, career support, and research collaboration for female researchers.
On Friday 16 May, the Department of Economics at NHH hosted the annual PhD Midway Evaluations — a key milestone for candidates midway through their research journey.
New NBER study by finds that the Nordic countries’ famous income equality is largely a result of wage-setting institutions—more than taxes and transfers.
A new study from NHH and Lund University uncovers how physician migration to Norway had fatal consequences in Sweden.
We're excited to welcome a group of leading applied economists in labor economics to the Bergen Labor Workshop 2025. The workshop will take place from 13 - 14 May at NHH.
The Nordic wage-setting model is unique, with no statutory minimum wage and a system built on strong union membership and coordinated sectoral negotiations.
FAIR is proud to be part of the Bergen Ambassador Network, which highlights efforts to strengthen the city’s role as an international destination for academic events.
We are delighted to announce that Bertil Tungodden has been appointed as an Ambassador for the European Research Council (ERC). His appointment underlines a strong commitment to advancing and promoting frontier research across Europe.
In recent years, a quiet crisis has emerged: boys and men are increasingly falling behind in education and the labor market. Yet a new study shows that society is far less concerned about this trend when it affects males. Why? Because many people believe men have only themselves to blame.
People tend to see brighter days ahead—even when their well-being stays the same. A new cross-cultural study uncovers the psychology behind our optimistic view of the future.
Can just saying “I promise to be honest” make people tell the truth? A large study in Norway and the U.S. shows that even simple, voluntary promises can significantly reduce lying—even when no one is watching.
When is inequality between children acceptable? A new study from Shanghai and Norway reveals stark cultural differences in how adults judge fairness. Beliefs about merit, luck, and childhood shape whether inequality is tolerated—decisions that echo through education, parenting, and policy.
A new study from Uganda shows that childcare and cash grants improve women’s labor supply, household welfare, and early childhood outcomes—especially for single mothers and women entrepreneurs facing time and credit constraints.
On Monday, 31 March 2025 Daniel V. A. Duque held a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defended his thesis for the PhD degree at NHH. Thesis: «Essays on Economics of Education».
A paper by Aline Bütikofer, Antonio Dalla-Zuanna and Kjell G. Salvanes shows that Norway’s oil boom increased economic mobility for men—but left women behind. The effects of this resource shock reshaped income dynamics across three generations.
FAIR is organising the Bergen Labor Workshop 2025, taking place on 13 - 14 May at NHH. The workshop brings together a select group of leading applied economists in labor economics. The program will conclude with the Sandmo Lecture by David Card, hosted by the Department of Economics.
After a decade of collaboration and research, a new working paper has been published that seeks to better understand how people across the world think about inequality. Based on experimental data from more than 65,000 individuals in 60 countries, the study offers rare global insight into how fairness, beliefs, and policy preferences are connected.
As part of our commitment to fostering gender balance and inclusive academic careers, FAIR hosted a women’s mentoring lunch last week featuring Professor Johanna Mollerstrom. The event offered a space for discussion on mentoring, career development, and navigating academic life.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women everywhere. We also honor the women in our research community, recognizing their contributions to academia and beyond. This day is a time to reflect on progress, raise awareness about gender equality, and continue advocating for women’s rights.
FAIR has had a year marked by academic success, international collaboration, and significant societal impact. The 2024 Annual Report provides insight into the centre's many achievements, from publications in leading journals to events that have brought together the world’s foremost researchers in economics and social sciences.
FAIR at the Department of Economics, NHH, invites applications for three pre-doctoral fellow positions for the 2025/2026 academic year. These positions provide an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to contribute to cutting-edge economic research and develop their skills in a dynamic academic environment.
People often make choices that do not align with their own well-being due to misinformation or cognitive biases. A recent large-scale experiment by Björn Bartling, Alexander Cappelen, Henning Hermes, Marit Skivenes, and Bertil Tungodden explores how Americans prefer to address these situations.
A new study by Kjell G. Salvanes, Daron Acemoglu, Tuomas Pekkarinen, and Matti Sarvimäki explores the long-term impact of Norway’s 1936 Folk School Reform. It finds that the reform boosted education, labor income, and lasting support for the Norwegian Labour Party, shaping economic mobility and electoral behavior.
A recent study published in The Economic Journal investigates the direct impact of temperature on economic decision-making and destructive behavior by Ingvild Almås, Maximilian Auffhammer, Tessa Bold, Ian Bolliger, Aluma Dembo, Solomon M Hsiang, Shuhei Kitamura, Edward Miguel, Robert Pickmans.
The Research Council of Norway has launched the podcast series "Curious Norway," where host Kristopher Schau engages with the nation's leading scientists.
Subsidised preschool access in Uganda improved children’s physical development but not learning outcomes, with cash transfers of similar value showing comparable effects. This study highlights the long-term benefits of early childhood interventions in low-income settings.
The BITSS Annual Meeting brings together actors from academia, scholarly publishing, and policy to share novel research and discuss efforts to improve the credibility of social science by advancing research transparency, reproducibility, rigor, and ethics.
How does altruism differ across individuals and societies? A new paper, authored by Alexander W. Cappelen, Benjamin Enke, and Bertil Tungodden, draws on surveys from 60 countries and over 64,000 respondents to uncover key insights into the cultural, demographic, and institutional factors that shape universalist preferences and their links to trust, politics, and societal organization.
Just before the holidays, Sandra E. Black, Paul J. Devereux, Fanny Landaud, and Kjell G. Salvanes published their study, "The (Un)Importance of Inheritance," exploring the role of gifts and inheritances in economic inequality.
The American Economic Association (AEA), together with the Allied Social Science Associations (ASSA), hosts a three-day annual meeting each January to present research on economics and related fields. This year, FAIR researchers made notable contributions, sharing valuable insights on key topics.
Join FAIR as a research assistant for a lab-in-the-field study in education. Gain hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful research!
Ingar K. Haaland (34) at the Department of Economics has been promoted to full professor. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from NHH, completing his PhD also at NHH in 2019.
Join our dynamic team as a research assistant for a web-based experiment on family economics at FAIR. Contribute to cutting-edge research, develop your skills, and make a meaningful impact on the world.
The policy conference on the transition from school to work among youth in Tanzania took place in Dar es Salaam, where FAIR researchers shared valuable insights on various topics within development economics.
A paper by Jessica á Rogvi, Aline Bütikofer, Lone Krebs, Hanna Mühlrad, Miriam Wüst titled "Cesarean Section, Childhood Health, and Schooling: Quasi-Experimental Evidence From Denmark, Norway and Sweden" is published in Health Economics.
On Friday, 29 November 2024 Eirik B. Abel held a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defended his thesis for the PhD degree at NHH. Thesis: «Essays on Equality, Intergenerational Mobility and Family Formations».
FAIR and NHH had the honor of organizing and hosting the prestigious European Association for Labour Economists (EALE) Conference 2024 in September.
Henning Hermes is a co-author of a new publication in the Journal of the European Economic Association. The article, titled "Application Barriers and the Socioeconomic Gap in Child Care Enrollment", examines how application processes influence access to childcare and reinforce socioeconomic inequalities.
A paper by Samuel D. Hirshman and Alexander L.P. Willén titled "Does Increasing the Riskiness of Choices Widen Gender Gaps?" is published in Management Science.
The Department of Economics is now accepting applications for PhD Research Scholar positions, with an application deadline of 15 January. We are mainly looking for candidates in Industrial Organisation, Macroeconomics, Behavioural Economics and Labour Economics.
