24.10.2025

Tübingen Reloaded: Insights with Economist Dr. Onur Koska

In this series, we invite research alumni, who returned to the University of Tübingen on a Tübingen Reloaded grant, to share their insights and reflections by completing 10 sentences. Discover what fuels their curiosity and gain impressions of their stay.

Dr. Onur Kıska standing on the left of the picture at the 17th Australasian Trade Workshop. Behind him, a presentation slide is displayed on a large screen, and several chairs with conference attendees are visible in the background. — Dr. Onur Koska organising the 17th Australasian Trade Workshop.

Dr. Onur Koska (University of Canterbury, NZ) is a scholar whose principal research interests lie broadly in applied microeconomic theory, with particular emphasis on international trade, industrial organization, multinational firm behavior, and foreign direct investment. Dr. Koska was invited to the University of Tübingen by Prof. Dr. Frank Stähler from the Economics Department.

1. The most exciting aspect of being an economist is…
to be able to make sense of the world around and beyond us by way of economic and strategic thinking.

2. A trend or development in global economics I’m following closely right now is…
the tariff escalation across countries and rising protectionism.

3. Collaborating with colleagues from around the world helps me…
broaden my horizon, gain different insights and keep up with most up-to-date research agendas.

4. One of the biggest challenges I face in my research is…
time - there are so many interesting research questions to address, but not enough time.

5. In my research project at the University of Tübingen…
I, and my host in Tuebingen, Prof. Frank Staehler, look at the signalling role of secret versus public reserve prices in auctions when the seller’s private signal matters for the valuation of bidders, and the only signalling device available to the seller is the reserve price.

6. If I could explain one concept in economics to the entire world…
it would be perhaps the opportunity cost / trade-off, explaining choices.

7. If I weren’t an economist…
I would probably choose some maths-intensive subject, or be a fisherman.

8. Having worked in Germany…
I’m especially fascinated by people's organisation and time management skills.

9. My favorite thing about Tübingen…
is its relaxed, yet vibrant atmosphere.

10. The one book, film, or piece of art that has influenced the way I see the world is…
“The Beautiful Mind”; which is about the life of Nobel-Prize-awarded economist and mathematician, John Nash.

Dr. Onur Koska speaking on stage at the Export Breakfast event. A large screen behind him displays a welcome message for attendees. — Dr. Onur Koska speaking at the Export Breakfast.

Interested in returning to the academic community that helped shape your career?
The Tübingen Reloaded program invites research alumni to continue their collaboration and exchange with colleagues at the University of Tübingen. Find out more here.

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