University of Amsterdam: Monique de Haan appointed professor of Empirical Microeconomics

Knowledge about the existence and magnitude of causal effects is essential for policymakers, among others. It is, for example, important to know whether extra money or other educational policy measures influence children’s school performances and long-term outcomes. Causal questions also play an important role in the development and implementation of policy measures that affect the labour market or the distribution of income. With respect to these kinds of policy measures it is not only important to know what the direct effects are on the current generation, but also about the indirect effects they could have on future generations. Does an increase in the income of parents affect the future incomes of their children? If parents receive welfare benefits, does this imply that their children will also become dependent on welfare benefits later on?

As an UvA professor, De Haan will focus on answering these and related causal questions within the economics of education, labour and families by using micro-econometric techniques in combination with administrative and survey-based datasets.

In addition to conducting research, De Haan will teach both Bachelor’s and (Research) Master’s students at the Amsterdam School of Economics, and supervise students writing their Master’s theses.