Sebastian Riedmiller awarded the Otto Hahn Medal by the Max Planck Society

Dr Sebastian Riedmiller has been awarded the Otto Hahn Medal of the Max Planck Society for his dissertation on survey-guided policy design. His research shows how targeted information strategies can improve the effectiveness of public policies, particularly in the area of student financial aid.

In his dissertation, Survey-Guided Policy Design: An Economic Approach to Student Aid and Beyond, Riedmiller investigates how policymakers can use surveys to better understand the barriers that prevent people from benefiting from existing programs. His research focuses in particular on student financial aid and examines why many eligible students do not apply for support.

Combining theoretical analysis, controlled laboratory experiments, and large-scale surveys, Riedmiller shows that misperceptions about eligibility and program conditions are among the main obstacles to take-up. Based on these findings, he develops information strategies that effectively reduce such misconceptions and increase participation in student aid programs.

Beyond the specific case of student financial aid, his work demonstrates how survey-guided policy design can help make public interventions more effective across a wide range of policy areas. By bridging economic theory, empirical research, and practical policy applications, the dissertation provides valuable insights into how evidence-based policymaking can better serve society.

The Otto Hahn Medal is awarded annually by the Max Planck Society in recognition of outstanding scientific achievements by young researchers.