Tackling the issue of long-term unemployment is a long-standing challenge for labor market policy. Prolonged periods of joblessness are associated with worse economic outcomes, including lower job-finding rates, reduced re-employment wages, and less stable jobs. These challenges become even more pressing during economic downturns, when the incidence of long-term unemployment rises sharply. Despite the policy relevance of this issue, its underlying causes remain poorly understood. Andreas I. Mueller argues that the long-term unemployed are fundamentally distinct in their job search behavior and employment prospects. His research evaluates the potential for labor market policies to better target those most at risk of prolonged unemployment.

Newly appointed professors get an opportunity to hold an inaugural lecture within a year of their appointment. This presentation offers a fascinating insight into their research. The lectures are open to the public and followed by a cocktail reception in the UZH Lichthof. The events are centrally organised by the University of Zurich.

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