About us
ConPolicy GmbH is a research and consulting firm founded in 2010. Its services are aimed at public institutions, organizations and companies which deal with consumer policy issues. The institute is directed by Prof. Dr. Christian Thorun.
In recent years, the institute has implemented research and advisory mandates for the German Federal Government, German state consumer protection ministries, the European Commission, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, the German International Cooperation (GIZ), the Otto Group, the REWE Group and ING among many others (References / Customers).
What we offer
We support policymakers in executing effective consumer policy. ConPolicy also advises companies how to live up to consumer expectations' for a responsible business conduct.
Together with our clients, we are committed to sustainable structures in consumer policy, effective consumer policy instruments and behavior-based policies in various consumer markets.
Our mission is to offer our clients independent advice, which is based on facts and evidence. In order to achieve this, we undertake scientifically-sound empirical and analytical studies and bring together relevant consumer policy stakeholders at our dialogue events. – We work in the national, European and international context.
Prof. Dr. Christian ThorunFounder and Managing Director
Prof. Dr. Christian Thorun is a recognized expert in consumer policy. He advises the German Federal Government and the European Commission, among others, on consumer issues. more
Emily BringmannProject Manager
Emily Bringmann is responsible for consulting projects and studies in the areas of consumer behavior, consumer policy and behavioral insights. Her main areas of expertise include sustainable consumption and digitalization. More
Dr. Annette Cerulli-HarmsProject Manager
Dr. Annette Cerulli-Harms is responsible for leading projects which use behavioral change interventions focusing on areas such as retail finance, digitalization, real estate and sustainability management. more
Dr. Jana DielsProject Manager
Dr. Jana Diels is responsible for consulting projects and studies in the areas of consumer policy and consumer behavior. Her thematic focus includes sustainable consumption, youth participation as well as structures and instruments of consumer policy. more
Dr. Sara Elisa KettnerProject Manager
Dr. Sara Elisa Kettner leads consulting projects and studies in the areas of consumer policy and behavioral insights with a focus on responsible digitalization and sustainability. more
Dr. Otmar LellProject Manager
Dr. Otmar Lell is an expert in the fields of consumer policy and consumer law. His focus includes regulatory approaches in consumer policy, digitalization, issues of consumer law enforcement as well as consumer interests and sustainable development. more
Gesine MarksCommunications Manager
Gesine Marks is communicating for the institute since September 2023. She is responsible for ConPolicy's overall brand and image. Please contact her for any question on media content, events, website and much more.
Marlene MünschProject Manager
Marlene Münsch is an expert in conducting quantitative and qualitative empirical studies to investigate consumer behavior. She is responsible for consumer policy studies and consulting projects focusing on sustainability, digital transformation and alternative consumption patterns. more
Dr. Viola MusterProject Manager
Dr. Viola Muster is project manager for consumer research and responsible for planning and implementing studies on consumer behavior, sustainable consumption and consumer policy. more
Dr. Julius RauberProject Manager
Dr. Julius Rauber is an expert in consumer surveys and empirical analyses. In particular, he examines consumer behaviour in the areas of mobility, the digital world and sustainability.more
Our Fellows
As an institute, we value cooperation and connection with people working in other institutions. In order to consolidate this cooperation, some of our former employees are associated with ConPolicy as fellows. Where appropriate, we cooperate with our fellows, for example, in the preparation of studies or the conception and moderation of events.
Our contribution to sustainability
At ConPolicy, we not only advise clients about best practices in corporate responsibility, we take responsibility for our impacts on society and the environment.
Environment
The direct CO2 emissions of ConPolicy are low. However, the CO2 emissions created by our energy use and business trips are minimized by:
- use of green electricity that is not produced with coal or nuclear power
- our website is hosted by a provider that uses green electricity
- we dispense with flying as often as possible - if this should not be possible we compensate the CO2 emission of each mile
- we only use environmentally-friendly paper in our communications
- we use the “go green” service of Deutsche Post DHL to compensate CO2 emissions that relate to the dispatch of letters
Finance
We work with the GLS Bank, which has a corporate focus on social, environmental and cultural enterprises and projects.