Michael North

Michael North is a Professor and Chair of Modern History at Ernst Moritz Arndt University Greifswald since 1995. He holds a prominent role in European historical studies, specializing in economic, social, and cultural history with a focus on the Baltic region and Western Europe. His academic career includes teaching positions at Universities of Hamburg, Kiel, Bielefeld, and Rostock, alongside curatorial roles at the Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte and Kiel University’s Art Gallery.

• Education:
• PhD in History from Giessen University (thesis: Manorial Economy in Ducal Prussia and Masowia)
• Habilitation thesis on Baltic Region Monetary History

Research Interests:
Dr. North explores transcontinental cultural exchanges, art markets, and material culture. His work bridges economic and cultural analyses, particularly examining trade networks and artistic influences between Europe, Asia, and the Baltic region. Notable projects include leading the International Research Training Group 1540 on Baltic Borderlands and directing the Graduate Programme 619 on Mare Balticum integration studies.

Awards:

• Fulbright Distinguished Chair (UCSB, 2010-2011)
• Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study Fellow (2007)
• Getty Research Institute Visiting Scholar (2004)

Advising & Grants:

• Supervised numerous PhD studies focusing on Baltic Sea Region dynamics
• Coordinated EU-funded research projects on cultural exchange
• Directed interdisciplinary graduate programs fostering Baltic studies

Research Initiatives:
Founder of international cooperations like the Research Group on Netherlandish Art in Asia and the Istituto Internazionale di Storia Economica committee member.