Research Assistant: Evaluating Pension System Sustainability in European Economies

Location: Stockholm

Type: Research

Term: Semester

Introduction to the topic:

This research project investigates the fiscal challenges posed by aging populations in Europe, focusing on the sustainability of pension systems. With increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates, many European countries face rising dependency ratios, putting significant strain on public finances. Pension systems, a critical element of social welfare, require urgent evaluation and reform to ensure both economic sustainability and intergenerational fairness.

Project details:

This project is well-suited for students with an interest in economics, public policy, or sustainable finance.

The Research Assistants will analyze demographic trends, fiscal data, and policy measures across European economies to identify innovative solutions for pension reform. Research activities will include a comprehensive review of academic and policy literature, data analysis on pension expenditures and dependency ratios, and case studies of countries implementing successful reforms.

Research Assistants will develop skills in data-driven policy analysis, and contribute to addressing one of the most pressing economic issues shaping Europe’s future.

Selected relevant publications:

Chand, S. K., & Jaeger, A. (1996). Aging populations and public pension schemes (IMF Occasional Paper No. 147). International Monetary Fund. https://doi.org/10.5089/9781557756206.084
Walker, A. (2021). The EU is ageing and in need of care – here’s what that means for its economic future. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2021/10/eu-ageing-society-care-cost/
Langenus, G. (2006). Fiscal sustainability indicators and policy design in the face of ageing (NBB Working Paper No. 102). National Bank of Belgium. https://hdl.handle.net/10419/144315

Additional research application required

You will need to submit an additional research application through Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.
To submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.

All research application materials must be submitted on the following dates by 23:59 Central European Time:
– November 1 for spring semester applicants
– May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your additional research application through Student Registration.
If you are not already enrolled, use this link to apply to DIS before completing a research application.

: Coursework or familiarity with economics, public policy, or finance is highly recommended.
An understanding of macroeconomic principles, particularly those related to fiscal policy and social welfare systems, is advantageous but not required.

Fairouz Hussien

PhD @ Stockholm School of Economics (Sweden), M.Sc. @ Hanken School of Economics (Finland). Co-founder of the SSE Methods Lab, and co-founder of SIDI (Stockholm Interdisciplinary Initiative) at DIS Stockholm. Research focus on economic regulation, market dynamics, and antitrust. Expertise from the airline industry. With DIS since 2022.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.