Dissertation Prize 2026 awarded to Daniel Weishaar

Silke Übelmesser, chair of the standing committee public economics, Niklas Potrafke (jury member), the winner of the 2026 Dissertation Prize prize, Daniel Weishaar, and Alfons Weichenrieder (jury member) (from left to right).

For the first time, the Standing Committee on Public Economics awarded its Dissertation Award, supported by the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), for an outstanding dissertation. The prize was conferred upon Daniel Weishaar for his dissertation “Essays in Public Economics: Multidimensional Inequalities, Fairness Preferences, and Policy Instruments.”

The dissertation makes an outstanding contribution to the understanding of multidimensional inequalities, societal fairness preferences, and economic policy instruments. Across six innovative chapters, it combines theoretical analysis with sophisticated empirical methods and policy-relevant insights. Its thematic scope ranges from international real estate markets and the taxation of couples to individual preferences for fairness. The work is distinguished by methodological rigor, thematic breadth, and strong societal relevance. It sets a benchmark for modern public finance and is compelling in both its originality and depth.

 

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