Schaal

Prof. Schaal holds the W3-Professorship for Political Science, especially Political Theory, at Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg since 2009. He has held previous roles including Heisenberg Fellow (2006–2007) and substitute professor at the same institution. His academic career includes research positions at TU Dresden and the University of Stuttgart, alongside habilitation (2003) and doctoral (1997) degrees from German institutions.

Education:

• Studies in Political Science, German Language & Literature, and Philosophy (1990–1994), Free University of Berlin
• Doctorate (Dr. phil., 1997): "Integration through the Constitution and Constitutional Jurisdiction?"
• Habilitation (2003): "Trust, Constitution and Democracy" at University of Stuttgart

Research Interests: Focuses on foundational questions in political theory, including constitutional frameworks, democratic governance, and the role of trust in political systems. His work bridges normative theory with institutional analysis, examining how constitutional orders shape integration and legitimacy in democratic societies.

Awards & Affiliations:

• Heisenberg Fellowship (DFG, 2006–2007)
• Member of DVPW, APSA, and EpsNet

Additional Roles: Listed as eligible for professorial positions at University of Augsburg (C4 Professorship in Political Theory), University of Krems (Empirical Democracy Research), and University of Essen (Contemporary Political Theory).