Friederike Mengel appointed as Professor of Behavioural Economics & Learning at Erasmus School of Economics

Friederike Mengel is a prominent German economist known for her work in behavioural economics, experimental economics, and game theory. Her interdisciplinary approach combines insights from economics, psychology, and other social sciences to address complex questions about human behaviour. She holds a professorship at the University of Essex and has a strong academic background, with previous academic roles at the University of Nottingham and Maastricht University.

Mengel reacts excited to her appointment: ‘I look forward to making an energetic and enthusiastic contribution to the academic community of Erasmus School of Economics through my work in research and education!'

Focus of research

Much of Mengel’s research focuses on (evolutionary) game theory and learning, with a particular interest in learning across games and categorisation as well as models of (bounded) rationality more generally. Another focus of her research is the study of behaviour in social networks and the emergence of social norms. She also works on social identity, the formation of preferences and discrimination.

‘Appointment fits with the university’s strategy’

Dean Patrick Groenen is pleased with the appointment of Friederike Mengel: ‘With her interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from economics, psychology, and other social sciences, Friederike is a real asset to our team of (behavioural) researchers. Her appointment on a chair in the programme “Towards Inclusive Academia”, also fits with the university’s strategy of conducting research with societal impact and the aim to increase gender diversity at the school’s professor level.’