WifOR Institute – if you measure it, you can shape it.
WifOR is an independent economic research institute, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany. We translate complex economic topics into clear and robust analyses, with a focus on practical application in health, impact, and labor markets. Through our studies, data and tools, we provide the foundation for well-informed decision-making in society, politics, and the economy.
Our mission is to
drive the shift toward viewing health as an investment
enable organizations to actively manage their impacts
develop data-based solutions to labor market challenges
Our expertise
At WifOR, we see health, impact, and labor markets as three interconnected fields that shape sustainable economic and societal development. Our clients and project partners include companies, ministries, NGOs, and associations around the world. Together, we address social, environmental, and economic challenges linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WifOR operates on a global scale, having completed more than 650 projects in over 55 countries. Today, around 80 colleagues work across our offices in Berlin, Darmstadt, Leipzig, and Athens.
The quality of our work is strengthened through close collaboration with universities, statistical authorities, public institutions, and international organizations such as the OECD, the World Bank, the Capitals Coalition, and the Value Balancing Alliance (VBA). Numerous dissertations completed in cooperation with renowned universities reflect WifOR’s strong academic foundation.
Our values
Scientific approach
Our work is grounded in academic research and peer-reviewed methodologies
Independence
We work independently and are committed to objective, transparent, evidence-based insights
Innovation
Reconceptualizing issues belongs to our scientific DNA
Team spirit
A culture of mutual support, collaboration, and continuous learning shapes how we work together every day
Sustainability
We help organizations understand and manage their social, environmental, and economic impacts through scientific evidence
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are reflected both in our research and within our organization
Get to know our team
Prof. Dennis Ostwald
CEO
Our mission is to provide scientific, comparable, and standardized data that empowers decision making in the areas of health, sustainability, and labor markets.Expert Profile
Dr. Sandra Zimmermann
Head of International Social Policy
Our vision is that social policy decisions are made on the basis of scientific data to enable a positive and sustainable impact on societyExpert Profile
Dr. Richard Scholz
Head of Impact Analysis
My vision is that organizations throughout the world can measure and compare their social, environmental, and economic impact. This forms the basis for sustainable decision-making.Expert Profile
Dr. Malina Müller
Head of Health Economics
We are showing the Social Impact of health to the world. Our vision is to ensure health for all, in the process improving lives, driving resilient economic growth, and sparking innovation.Expert Profile
