Johannes Kuber

Dr. Johannes Kuber serves as Head of the Department of History at the Academy of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart since February 2021, following previous roles as a Research Associate at RWTH Aachen University (2018-2021) and interim Head of Department in 2017-2018. He earned his doctorate from RWTH Aachen University in 2023 with a dissertation examining the role and self-image of the Catholic clergy between National Socialism and the occupation period. His academic journey began with studies in English, History, and Social Studies for secondary school teaching in Regensburg and Dublin (2007-2014), complemented by practical experience at Yad Vashem, the Archdiocese Archives of Freiburg, and the Historical Museum of Lucerne.

Dr. Kuber's research primarily focuses on contemporary history, gender history, church and regional history, Jewish history, and the politics of history. His work examines the Catholic clergy's role during the transition from National Socialism to the occupation period (1939-1948), with particular attention to the Archdiocese of Freiburg. He has published extensively on topics including post-war reconstruction, sexual violence in occupied Germany, conspiracy theories from historical perspectives, and the experiences of religious figures during periods of political upheaval. His 2025 monograph 'Catholic Priests between War and Occupation' represents a significant contribution to the field.

His scholarly output shows a consistent focus on the intersection of religious institutions with political and social transformations, particularly during crisis periods. The articles demonstrate methodological diversity, combining archival research with interdisciplinary approaches that connect history with gender studies, religious studies, and political science. His recent work has increasingly addressed contemporary relevance of historical patterns, particularly regarding conspiracy theories and the politics of memory.

• Doctoral scholarship recipient of the Hans Böckler Foundation (2015-2017)
• Active member of multiple scholarly associations including Denkstättenkuratorium NS-Dokumentation Oberschwaben, Frauen & Geschichte Baden-Württemberg, and the Historical Society of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart

Dr. Kuber actively promotes the exchange between academic historians, public history practitioners, and civil society through his leadership of the Department of History. He organizes conferences, summer academies, and working groups that bring together scholars from diverse institutions across Germany and internationally. His approach emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and making historical research accessible to broader audiences, reflecting the department's commitment to demonstrating how current political and social discussions are connected to historical contexts.