A team of leading international researchers, including Professor Hans van Kippersluis and Associate Professor Niels Rietveld from Erasmus School of Economics, has published a groundbreaking paper in The Review of Economic Studies (REStud), one of the top five journals in the field of economics.
The paper, titled “The Economics and Econometrics of Gene–Environment Interplay,” presents a comprehensive framework for understanding how genetic predispositions interact with environmental factors, offering new insights into how policy interventions may influence educational outcomes across different population subgroups.
The benefits of delayed school entry
Using school-starting age in the UK as a natural experiment, the researchers found that children with lower genetic propensities for educational attainment benefit significantly from delayed school entry. This suggests that thoughtfully designed educational environments can reduce inequalities stemming from genetic differences.
‘This study provides some of the clearest evidence to date that schools can help level the playing field,’ says Professor van Kippersluis. ‘Educational institutions have the potential to mitigate inequalities stemming from genetic differences.’
A rare “ideal experiment” in social science research
The study is among the first to combine quasi-random environmental variation with random genetic variation within families, producing what the authors term an “ideal experiment.” This rigorous design enables the researchers to draw causal conclusions and highlights which children benefit most from particular educational settings.
Co-author and Associate Professor Niels Rietveld emphasises: ‘Our work underscores the value of interdisciplinary research. By integrating insights from genetics and economics, we are better equipped to understand complex social outcomes and design more effective, equitable policies.’
Policy relevance and future outlook
Beyond its scientific contributions, the study offers practical guidance for economists and policy makers and underscores the ethical responsibility researchers face in working with genetic data. As global biobank initiatives expand, this research sets a new standard for responsibly leveraging genetic insights in education and social policy.
