Heike Liebau

Dr. Heike Liebau is a Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Research Unit 'Representations of the Past as a Mobilising Force' at the Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient (ZMO) in Berlin. Her work focuses on South Asian history, particularly colonial and post-colonial periods, intercultural encounters, and the politics of historical memory. She leads the DFG-funded project 'Das Moderne Indien in deutschen Archiven 1706–1989' (MIDA) and has directed several major research initiatives, including the HERA project on cultural exchange during World War I. She is an expert on the Tranquebar Mission and translocal knowledge production between Europe and South Asia.

Her research interests include:

• Colonial and post-colonial history
• Historical authenticity and iconization
• Missionary history and religious exchange
• World War I in global contexts
• Archival studies and knowledge transfer
• Public history and museum curation

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary work combining history, cultural studies, and memory politics. Her articles and edited volumes explore themes such as the construction of historical icons, the role of authenticity in populist discourse, the lives of South Asian prisoners of war in Germany, and the legacy of missionary scholarship. She frequently examines how historical narratives are shaped by power, ideology, and cultural context.

Scientific awards:

• Preis für Übersetzungförderung des Börsenvereins des Deutschen Buchhandels (2010)

Dr. Liebau has advised numerous research projects and publications. She has not publicly listed formal PhD or Master’s students. She has led major funded research programs, including DFG and HERA grants, and has collaborated extensively with international scholars. She has curated exhibitions and contributed to public media, including Deutschlandfunk. She is actively involved in academic networks and editorial work, including as section editor for 'South Asia' in the '1914-1918-online' encyclopedia.

She has been affiliated with ZMO since 1996, holding successive research fellowships and leadership roles. She previously worked at the Francke Foundations in Halle and was a research fellow at Humboldt University. Her career demonstrates sustained engagement with German-Indian historical relations, archival research, and the cultural dimensions of colonialism.