Michael Fertig studied economics at the University of Heidelberg, where he received the degree of Diplom-Volkswirt in 1997. He finished his Ph.D. studies in July 2002 at the University of Heidelberg. From October 2002 to December 2006 he was a research coordinator at RWI Essen. In January 2007 he became one of the managing directors of ISG Cologne. His research interests included applied econometrics in the field of international migration, the economics of education and program evaluation, with a particular emphasis on active labor market policy.

Michael Fertig joined IZA as a Research Affiliate in November 2000 and became a Research Fellow in December 2002. It is with deep sorrow and regret that we learned of his unexpected passing on April 30, 2018.