In Memoriam: Gert G. Wagner

Gert Wagner passed away far too soon on January 28, 2024 at the age of 71. With his passing, we have lost a committed economist who, as an academic, initiated and achieved a great deal in his lifetime. Gert Wagner was a member of the Verein für Socialpolitik for several decades and was involved in various committees.

Gert was a scholar of the social sciences with an immense and wide-ranging oeuvre. He was a researcher until the very end and always kept an eye on current developments in the field of data-based social and economic research. He was actively involved in countless issues of science policy, policies of the welfare state, and other social policy topics, often as the responsible chairman of advisory committees.

Gert Wagner made a central contribution to the establishment, development, and institutionalization of the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). The SOEP is an international role model and has been and still is the cornerstone of many researchers' studies.

His long list of honors shows that he and his work are widely appreciated and honored, both nationally and internationally.

I have often crossed paths with Gert. He has supported me personally at many turning points. I am sad that I and all of us have lost a kind and intellectually stimulating companion. Many are indebted to him.

Regina T. Riphahn, VfS Chairwoman