Mark Fallak studied North American Studies, Political Science, and Economics at the University of Bonn. In 1996/97, he worked for a global strategy and communications consulting firm in Washington, D.C., while studying International Business and Trade at American University. In September 2000, he graduated from the University of Amsterdam with a Master's degree in American Studies. His thesis on "European Monetary Union from an American Perspective" was nominated for the Theodore Roosevelt American History Award. He also holds an MBA with honors in Communication & Leadership from Quadriga University Berlin.

Mark joined IZA in October 2000 and has been Head of Communications since February 2015. He is responsible for external and internal communications including the IZA Newsroom, press inquiries, social media, newsletters and other matters of public relations.