Prof. David Nettleis a researcher in the Evolution and Social Cognition team at the Institut Jean Nicod, Paris, and a Professor at Northumbria University. His research spans the biological and social sciences, focusing on economic and social inequality, trust and cooperation, adversity and aging, food insecurity, and moral and political cognition. He is also interested in interdisciplinary synthesis, open science, and the application of research to public policy. His publications are freely accessible, along with an introductory R and statistics course. He has authored several books and maintains a blog on science and society.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: How does basic income address the roots of economic inequality?
Prof. David Nettle: Basic income, under the scheme we propose, does two things.
First, it is redistributive, meaning that it brings the incomes of the poorest households much closer to the median, whilst taking from the very richest ones. It does this because we couple it with a progressive income tax. The richest households get their basic income, but it is clawed back from them through income tax. The poorest household are net gainers. Thus, basic income takes over the function of the existing welfare state in a simpler way.
ATTENTION: FINAL DEADLINE FOR PAPER SUBMISSION EXTENDED!
We announce that the deadline for paper submission for the 24th Congress of the Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) has been extended to March 20th. This is the final deadline to submit your proposal.
If you haven’t submitted your work yet, you can find the details of the call here. Submissions for panels, papers, posters, and cultural productions are welcome in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The 24th Congress of the BIEN will take place from August 27 to 29, 2025, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In addition to the main Congress event, taking place in Niterói, two pre-congress events will be held in the city of Maricá:
• Latin America Day – August 25 • Early Career Day – August 26: You can find the call for papers for this day here.
Event registration is available at a discounted rate for early-bird participants until April 30. See you in Brazil! Information: www.bien2025.com.br
As the editor of Basic Income Today and a moderator for the Basic Income subreddit, I read a lot of stuff every year about UBI, somewhere around 100 articles a month. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the top ten articles I consider my favorites out of everything published in 2024.
Dieter Althaus has been serving as the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Magna Europe since 2011. In this role, he is responsible for managing relationships with governmental entities and overseeing corporate affairs within Europe.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What inspired advocacy for the “Solidarity Citizen’s Income” (Solidarisches Bürgergeld) while Minister-President of Thuringia?
Dieter Althaus: Our social system in Germany is becoming a significant problem for proper implementation due to a strong differentiation and quantitative expansion. In addition, the incentive effect for paid or voluntary work is not sufficient.
Jacobsen: How does universal basic income align with principles of the Christian Democratic Union?
Althaus: The basic principles of the solidarity society are preserved. Due to the principle of negative income tax, the system is easy to understand and it is easy to implement.
Jacobsen: What primary economic and social benefits can come from universal basic income for Germany?
Althaus: Work, paid as well as voluntary, pays off and is socially recognized. The negative income tax ensures transparent implementation.
Jacobsen: What challenges emerge from proposing the Solidarity Citizen’s Income?
Althaus: The welfare state would have to be completely rebuilt. The resulting transparent structures prevent abuse and lead to a considerable reduction in bureaucratic costs.
Jacobsen: Is the socio-economic climate in Germany more receptive to basic income since 2006?
Althaus: I do not believe that such a reform would currently be feasible in Germany.
Jacobsen: What advice is pertinent for policymakers and basic income advocates today?
Althaus: I don’t give advice. Our concept is available and could be discussed or implemented in an adapted way. The political will is not present and the potential for defamation is unfortunately great.
Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Mr. Althaus.
ATTENTION: FINAL DEADLINE FOR PAPER SUBMISSION EXTENDED! 
We announce that the deadline for paper submission for the 24th Congress of the Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) has been extended to March 20th. This is the final deadline to submit your proposal.
If you haven’t submitted your work yet, you can find the details of the call 
The 24th Congress of the BIEN will take place from August 27 to 29, 2025, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In addition to the main Congress event, taking place in Niterói, two pre-congress events will be held in the city of Maricá:
Event 
