KIT Awards Honorary Doctorate to Professor Achim Wambach

The way markets are designed influences competition, innovation, and prosperity. In recognition of his internationally recognized research on market design and competition policy, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has awarded an honorary doctorate to Professor Achim Wambach, President of the Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW). The honor also acknowledges his contributions to the evidence-based shaping of economic policy frameworks.

Research with Impact Beyond Disciplinary Boundaries

“An honorary doctorate is among KIT’s highest distinctions and is awarded only rarely,” said Professor Jan S. Hesthaven, President of KIT. “We are all the more pleased to honor Professor Wambach. He exemplifies the combination of academic excellence and societal relevance, demonstrating how research can create impact far beyond the boundaries of its own discipline.”

“I am very pleased to receive this special honor,” Wambach said. “Markets are complex structures. Well-designed markets contribute to society’s prosperity, while poorly designed or poorly regulated markets can destroy value. I have been privileged to work and conduct research in this field and to bring its insights into practice and public policy. This honorary doctorate is also a recognition of the many colleagues and partners from academia, policy, and industry with whom I have had the opportunity to collaborate.”

Wambach’s research focuses on the design of market rules in regulated industries and on the challenges of the competition framework in an increasingly digitalized economy. His work has shaped the field of competition economics and has provided a scientific foundation for economic policy decisions in Germany and Europe. Beyond his academic contributions, Wambach has contributed his expertise to numerous advisory boards and commissions. From 2016 to 2021, he served as Chair of the Monopolies Commission.

mhe, June 29, 2026