Michael Gehler

Michael Gehler is a Professor and head of the Institute of History at the University of Hildesheim Foundation, appointed in 2006. He holds a Jean Monnet Chair for European History awarded by the European Commission (2006, 2011) and serves as chairman of the Historical Commission of the Austrian Academy of Sciences since 2011. His academic career includes positions as Associate Professor at Leopold Franzens University of Innsbruck (1999-2006), Alexander von Humboldt Fellow (2001-2002), and Permanent Senior Fellow at the Center for European Integration Studies (ZEI) at the University of Bonn. He has also served as Visiting Professor at the Universities of Rostock, Salzburg, and Leuven.

Gehler's research focuses on European history and integration, with particular expertise in Austrian and German history, Cold War studies, and the South Tyrol question. His scholarly work examines the complex interplay between national identities, regional autonomy movements, and European integration processes. He has made significant contributions to understanding the historical development of European institutions and the transnational networks that shaped post-war Europe.

His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent engagement with European integration history, with recent works including biographies of key European figures, analyses of German division and reunification, and detailed studies of regional autonomy arrangements. His research shows a clear trajectory from national histories toward transnational and European perspectives, reflecting broader trends in historical scholarship.

• Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art
• Karl von Vogelsang State Prize
• Prize of the City of Innsbruck for scientific research
• Cardinal Innitzer Prize
• Prize for the Promotion of Science and Art of the Theodor Körner Fund

Gehler has received significant research funding through his Jean Monnet Chairs and has been actively involved in numerous international research networks focused on European integration history. His work bridges academic research and policy relevance, particularly through his engagement with European historical institutions and his role in shaping historical narratives relevant to contemporary European integration.