When asked about her expectations for team membership, she responds:

Regarding the UBI lecture series taking place at the University of Vienna in the winter semester 2024/25, Appel explains:

The lecture series takes place every Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM CET in HS III NIG at the University of Vienna. Detailed program information can be found here (in German).

Two members of the FRIBIS “Basisgeld” team recently contributed to the public debate on direct transfer payments. On October 17, 2024, Dr. Wolfgang Strengmann-Kuhn, Member of the German Parliament and FRIBIS Basisgeld team member, presented the Basisgeld concept developed by team leader Prof. Alexander Spermann in the German Bundestag:

The “Hamburg Tests Basic Income” initiative has achieved a significant breakthrough: On October 1, 2024, the campaign submitted 95,842 signatures to the Hamburg Senate – far exceeding the required threshold (65,000 signatures) for Germany’s first state-funded basic income pilot.

Research Framework for Pilot Study

The three-year pilot study will provide basic income to 2,000 Hamburg residents. To ensure demographic representation, participants will be selected from carefully chosen neighborhoods across the city. The research will examine how basic income affects work patterns, social interactions, and family dynamics.

Path to Implementation

The election authority will now verify the signatures within a six-week period, potentially leading to a public referendum coinciding with the federal elections on September 25, 2025. This initiative reflects strong public support: A 2019 DIW study indicated that approximately 70 percent of German residents favor basic income pilot projects.

FRIBIS as Research Partner

FRIBIS supports the Expedition Basic Income through its dedicated XUBI team, which specializes in the evaluation of basic income pilots. This interdisciplinary team provides expertise on funding mechanisms, research methodology, and data analytics. Drawing on its network of international experts in social sciences, economics, and related fields, FRIBIS ensures rigorous research standards throughout the Hamburg pilot.

XUBI Team Expansion

Early 2024 brought significant changes to the XUBI team: Following Dr. Lisa Reuter’s departure as team coordinator, three distinguished researchers who have collaborated with the team since 2023 have formally joined: Prof. Dr. Hanna Schwander, Chair of Political Sociology and Social Policy at HU Berlin, Prof. Dr. Swen Hutter, Director of the Center for Civil Society Research and Lichtenberg Professor of Political Sociology at FU Berlin, and Dr. Bastian Becker, Interim Chair for Comparative Politics at HU Berlin.

Recent Television Report on Hamburg’s Basic Income Initiative (02.10.24) [Available in German only]

FRIBIS has released volume 5 of its publication series, titled Care & Gender – Potentials & Risks of Universal Basic Income (UBI). Edited by Bernhard Neumärker and Jessica Schulz, this volume presents selected proceedings from the FRIBIS Annual Conference 2023.

Abstract:

The third annual FRIBIS conference in October 2023 centered its discussions on two previously underrepresented subjects in the Basic Income debate: care and gender. By focusing on these topics, the conference highlighted the importance of exploring basic income through an intersectional feminist lens, particularly addressing issues of care, the care economy, and the division of labor. The main conference was organized by the two international FRIBIS Teams: Care & Basic Income and Gender & Basic Income. Parallel sessions from other FRIBIS teams and members, as well as external researchers and advocates from multiple disciplines and fields of expertise, completed the program. A selection of the contributions is available in this volume.

Care & Gender – Potentials & Risks of Universal Basic Income (UBI) is now available from LIT Verlag in both print and ebook formats.

At the recent BIEN Congress, held from August 29 to 31 at the University of Bath, UBIdata was unveiled as an innovative tool for advancing basic income research. This pioneering project aims to deliver reliable information on basic income to a rapidly expanding global audience, including both individuals and institutions eager to learn more. For a deeper dive into this initiative, join us at the upcoming Annual FRIBIS Conference, where Jurgen De Wispelaere—member of the FRIBIS teams UBI-XT and UBIMar—will be showcasing UBIdata.

Explore more at UBIdata.io

On July 6, 2024, the Basic Income Network commemorated its 20th anniversary at the Budde-Haus in Leipzig with a series of lectures, discussions and panels. The event, attended by approximately 60-70 participants per session, convened a diverse group of scientists, activists and interested citizens. It featured a range of presentations, conversations, networking opportunities and festivities. Dr. Verena Löffler, Franziska Leopold, and Tobias Dumschat, researchers from different FRIBIS teams, participated as panellists.

Basic Income and Care

Tobias Dumschat, Coordinator of the FRIBIS team “care”, and a doctoral student at FRIBIS, participated in the “Work – Care – Basic Income” discussion from 2:15 pm to 4:00 pm. He shared findings from his qualitative study, which investigates whether family caregivers need a basic income or not. His research focuses on non-retired caregivers who assist elderly dependents. Dumschat discussed ways in which a basic income might expand the range of actions available to this group and shared the subjective views of those affected.

Reflecting on his role as a speaker, he commented,

Homelessness and Basic Income

From 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM, Dr. Verena Löffler, also a member of the FRIBIS team “care”, presented her findings on “Homelessness and Basic Income.” She explored whether a basic income could improve the living conditions of the most disadvantaged. She shared results from various projects, suggesting that an unconditional basic income could serve as a preventive measure against homelessness. Löffler described the subsequent discussion as “very productive”:

Verena Löffler im Gespräch mit Chriss (Wohnungslosenaktivist)

Public Opinion on Basic Income and NGO Strategies

Franziska Leopold, Coordinator of the FRIBIS team MUBINGO and a research associate at FRIBIS, presented her study, “Approval and Positions on Basic Income – Hints for Successful NGO Strategies” from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Her research not only addresses public opinion on basic income but also explores the challenges faced by volunteers within the German-speaking basic income movement. Leopold shared the outcomes of her analysis, which assessed public sentiment across various demographic groups and identified factors that influence support for basic income.

She reported that her presentation was well received, with some participants inquiring afterwards whether the information was already publicly available. The audience showed keen interest in how a basic income could be framed to enhance public acceptance. Her findings have reinforced NGO efforts by illustrating that knowledge about basic income in the general population is still rather limited.

The Basic Income Network’s Perspective on Collaboration between Activism and Academia

We spoke with Ronald Blaschke, co-founder and long-time member of the Basic Income Network, about his views on the role of collaboration between research and activism in advancing the basic income movement and the accomplishments of activist efforts over the past two decades. Blaschke, who has been active in such social movements for 30 years, including 20 in the basic income movement, has published on basic income, held teaching positions, and worked professionally in the German Bundestag and voluntarily with the Basic Income Network and scientific institutions.

Lack of overview of previous Basic Income research?

However, he sees a problem in the perception of existing knowledge about basic income by researchers:

Editorial Note: The Basic Income Network recently published a comprehensive literature list on the topic of basic income. This list includes over 1,300 titles of German-language works on basic income and thus represents the most comprehensive compilation in this field to date. The list is publicly accessible and is continuously updated by the Basic Income Network’s Literature Working Group.

Communication between Research and the Public

Blaschke also emphasized the need for improved communication between researchers and the general public:

Conclusion

In summary, the anniversary celebration powerfully reaffirmed the significance of ongoing dialogue between research and activism for the future development of the basic income concept. The event also underscored the importance of presenting research findings in a manner that is comprehensible to the broader public, thereby enhancing the civic dialogue on basic income.

FRIBIS Director, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Neumärker, was a guest on the show “Das liebe Geld” (loosely translated as “Our precious money”) on Radio Sol in July 2024. In conversation with the hosts, Ilse Pforr and Gerhard Pellegrini, he addressed the topics of basic income and tax policy.

Neumärker advocated the necessity of a paradigm shift in both the world of work and in the tax system. He explained how a Universal Basic Income could enable people to focus on meaningful activities.

Another point of discussion was the need to simplify the existing tax system. Here Prof. Neumärker criticized the current complexity of this system and argued for more transparent, simpler models. He emphasized the need for tax systems to be fundamentally adapted to modern needs and realities.

He also elaborated on the connection between basic income and new tax models, particularly in the context of consumption taxation. FRIBIS research shows surprising results here.Contrary to common economic assumptions, financing a basic income through value-added tax would not lead to decreasing but rather to increasing tax revenue. Here he argued that conventional economic models are unable to capture the positive effects of a basic income because they are based on outdated premises.

FRIBIS is looking for a student assistant to support research with economic experiments

Freiburg Institute for Basic Income Studies (FRIBIS) at the Faculty of Economics and Behavioural Sciences Faculty is looking for a Bachelor or Master Student Assistant to support the department and PhD students on the preparation and execution ofeconomic lab experiments on the theme of basic income and social contracting.

We are ideally looking for someone who is able to work in the position for at least 6 months, preferably longer.

Responsibilities:

• Coding economic lab experiments in Z-Tree (and possibly other software such as Lioness). Z-Tree is a widely used software package created for developing and executing economic laboratory experiments. You can find more information on ZTree here: https://www.ztree.uzh.ch/en.html
• Assisting in the planning, organization, and conduction of experimental sessions including recruiting participants, online marketing, and data bank administration
• Problem-solving and providing support to IT and technical problems
• (Potentially) providing support in preparation of teaching material.

Your profile:

• Good English language. German is a bonus
• Good computer skills
• Ability to quickly learn new software
• Problem-solving and creating thinking
• Independence and initiative
• You enjoy working in an intercultural and interdisciplinary team

Desired:

• Previous experience in coding, or with Z-Tree, O-Tree or Lioness are all desirable but not necessary. We expect that you will be able to learn on the job and become an expert on Z-Tree to support our team
• Economics or IT student.

If you are interested in pursuing further studies or writing your thesis at the Götz Werner Chair of Economic Policy and Constitutional Economic Theory under Professor Bernhard Neumärker on themes of basic income, experimental and behavioural economics, or social contracting, this is a good opportunity to work closely with researchers on this topic. Through this role, you can develop the skills to design and execute your own experiments in the contexts of your class work or thesis.

Work Conditions:

• From 40 up to 85 hours/month
• Flexible working hours to fit around your classes and other commitments
• Independent working conditions with regular check-ins and support from supervisors
• International team
• Position is available for 3 to 6 months, with possibility of extension.

Please send your application documents include a short, self-written motivation letter, resume, copy of your academic records and a certificate of enrollment, as well as any other relevant certificates or documents. Please include your expected date of graduation.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

From April 12 to 14, 2024, the FRIBIS activist conference titled Zukunft – Klima – Grundeinkommen (Future – Climate – Basic Income) took place in Freiburg. The aim of the conference was to bring together activists from the fields of climate protection and basic income to learn from each other, open up new perspectives, and create synergies. In the following report, you will find out how the conference went and what impressions and experiences the participants took with them.

Opening and Keynote Speeches

After the welcome by Bernhard Neumärker, FRIBIS director, Enno Schmidt, then managing director of FRIBIS, introduced the structure and character of the conference. Together with him, Helmo Pape (Generation Grundeinkommen Österreich) and Joy Ponader (Expedition Grundeinkommen) accompanied the conference organizationally and as moderators over the next three days. The conference then dove straight into the heart of the matter with keynote speeches by Jana Mestmäcker (Last Generation), Gregor Hagedorn (Scientists for Future), Simone Herpich (Scientists for Future), and Ronald Blaschke (Basic Income Network).

Gregor Hagedorn, academic director of the Museum of Natural History Berlin and co-founder of Scientists for Future, emphasized that scientists are always political – whether they speak out or remain silent. Ronald Blaschke, co-founder and spokesperson of the German Basic Income Network, pointed out that a basic income without an intact planet is not a viable solution, as ecological crises threaten the very foundation of our lives and economy. Jana Mestmäcker shared how she felt truly self-determined for the first time through her involvement with the Last Generation. Jana describes her motivation to participate in the conference as follows:

Discussion Circles and Networking

In the subsequent discussion circles, participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into the ideas sparked by the presentations and develop them further. A central topic was the exploration of the connections and commonalities between the climate and basic income movements. A key point of convergence identified was that both movements critically question the dominance of capitalism and the single-minded focus on paid employment. Instead of an economic system based on perpetual growth and consumerism, which often generates meaningless or harmful work, both the basic income and climate movements advocate for an economic order that aligns with the genuine needs of people and the requirements of the ecosystem.

Activism as a Way of Life

On Friday evening, Swiss Fridays for Future founder and youth delegate, Marie-Claire Graf, shared her journey as an activist and the motivation behind her social engagement. She spoke about the fears younger generations harbor about the future in the face of climate change and stressed the importance of viewing activism not merely as an activity, but as an integral part of one’s way of life.

Initiatives and Projects

Saturday began with a lecture by Herbert Jauch, who is committed to a basic income coalition and the training of activists in Namibia. Jauch recounted how the unconditional basic income pilot project in Otjivero, launched in 2008, initially yielded very positive outcomes, such as reduced poverty, improved health, increased school attendance, and a boost to the local economy. Despite these successes, the project was not continued or expanded after its conclusion. Instead, it faced fierce opposition from the Namibian government, churches, and international donors like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Following Herbert Jauch’s presentation, Rebecka Ambjörnsson introduced the KARUNA Family project, where young people can develop themselves in a voluntary year. Susanne Wiest and Uschi Bauer told the story of the “Coronation Wave” of 2012 – an initiative by their basic income movement where people were symbolically crowned as “true sovereigns” by donning paper crowns. The underlying idea was that a basic income would empower people to walk through life with dignity and self-determination.

Next, Christina Strohm and Dorothee Herzog from “My Basic Income” presented interim findings from their project. A preliminary report indicated that recipients of a basic income place greater value on climate-friendly behavior, suggesting that a basic income could positively influence ecologically sustainable conduct.

Ulrich Schachtschneider (Universal Basic Income Europe) presented reflections on an ecological basic income. He argued that approaches such as the climate money bonus already represent steps towards linking social security and ecological sustainability. Schachtschneider put forward the thesis that a basic income could contribute to reducing the demand for ecologically questionable consumer goods and services. As a result, a basic income reform could lead to a downsizing of the economic system in the long term and thus have positive effects on the environment.

Civil Disobedience and Resistance

On Saturday afternoon, the stage was taken by Lina Johnson (Last Generation), Kali* (Ende Gelände), and Werner Rätz (Attac BGE Network). Lina Johnson shared her personal activism journey and, referencing theorists like Erica Chenoweth and Gene Sharp as well as historical examples, highlighted the often underestimated power of peaceful civil resistance. Kali* presented a diverse array of video footage showcasing acts of civil disobedience against open-cast lignite mining. Werner Rätz’s subsequent lecture matched the passion and commitment of his younger fellow activists’ presentations. Lina Johnson’s reflection on the conference: 

Last Day of the Conference

Sunday began with a summary of the personal impressions shared by all remaining participants. As a final activity, Rebecca Panian moderated the format “Voll auf die 12” (a German phrase meaning “to get hit hard” or “to be knocked for a loop”, used here to describe an intense, high-energy discussion format), in which 12 randomly selected “jurors” had to agree on a proposed solution within a limited time. Rebecca Panian had suggested this format to Enno Schmidt to generate concrete approaches for how the climate and basic income movements can collaborate. “I thought bringing together the climate and basic income movements was fantastic!” Rebecca Panian emphasized. She praised the conference’s structure, which offered not only informative presentations but also space for in-depth exchange and networking: “The structure of the conference was excellent because it wasn’t just one presentation after another. After about 4 input sessions, there was an opportunity to engage in deeper discussions with the person whose contribution resonated most with oneself.”

The event left a lasting impact on her, “because this merging of the two worlds – climate and basic income – was truly wonderful and important. Especially because a basic income would enable so many more people to get involved for the common good – and the planet!” Many valuable contacts emerged from the conference, and Rebecca is eager to see what else will develop from them. When asked if the conference changed her view on unconditional basic income, she replied: “No. It only confirmed that the idea is absolutely brilliant, and I want to do my best to make it a reality soon – as a human right.”

Conclusion

Throughout the conference, there was a pleasant and collegial atmosphere, enhanced by the delicious vegan catering provided by Sin Carne Schwarzwald GmbH. The event’s structure, with keynote speeches followed by discussion circles, allowed for both in-depth exploration of the topics and fostered exchange and networking among participants. The conference attracted an average of about 70 attendees, demonstrating significant public interest in the event.

Overall, the conference underscored the importance and value of an interdisciplinary and trans-activist dialogue between the climate protection and basic income movements. Many participants left with new insights, contacts, and impulses for concrete action. It remains exciting to see what further developments and initiatives will emerge from the connections formed during the conference.