Joachim Merz is University Professor (Economics and Econometrics) for Statistics and Professions (retired), former Director of the Research Institute on Professions (FFB), and Speaker of the Center for Research in Entrepreneurship, Professions and Small Business Economics (CREPS) at the Department of Economic and Social Sciences, University of Lueneburg,

His research interests include microanalyses based on microeconomic theory, microeconometrics and microsimulation of policy impacts. In the field of welfare economics he deals with such issues as income and income distribution, high income, time-use and economic well-being, taxes, labor market, consumption, economic and social policy with emphasis on professions, as well as self-employed and employees.

He is a member of various scientific advisory boards, managing editor of the electronic International Journal of Time Use Research (www.eIJTUR.org), and co-editor of the Review of Income and Wealth.

He joined IZA as a Research Fellow in May 2003.