Welcome, Sebastian Tonke!
Sustainability, Research, Campus |
Prof. Tonke examines the motives behind economic behavior and evaluates their implications in order to develop appropriate policy measures for addressing environmental problems. Using randomized controlled trials (RCTs), he investigates the potential, limitations, and interdependencies of interventions, particularly in the areas of sustainable water and waste management.
What fascinates Sebastian Tonke in particular about his field?
“What fascinates me about my field of research is that human behavior is systematically influenced by factors that may initially seem irrelevant. By better understanding the underlying motivations behind human actions, we can devise new and effective solutions. These solutions can then help us address some of the major issues of our time, such as climate change,” replies Prof. Tonke.
What is Sebastian Tonke looking forward to at the TUM School of Life Sciences?
"I find the interdisciplinary environment at the TUM School of Life Sciences particularly appealing, where different disciplines work closely together to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. My joint appointment between the TUM School of Management and the TUM School of Life Sciences enables an exchange between the social sciences and the natural sciences to explore environmental problems in a more integrated way. I also look forward to working with dedicated and motivated students whose ideas and enthusiasm contribute significantly to an inspiring academic exchange."
About Sebastian Tonke: He graduated with a doctorate in economics from the University of Cologne in 2019. From 2019 to 2026, he served as a senior research fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Economics in Bonn. In the spring of 2024, he was also a visiting research fellow at Harvard University. In March 2026, he joined the Technical University of Munich as a professor of environmental economics.