معرفی
Manfred Max Bergman is Professor of Social Research and Methodology at the University of Basel's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Sociology. He serves as Director of the Social Transitions Research Group and is an Affiliated Professor of European Global Studies. Bergman holds additional leadership roles as Board Member at the University's Center for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS) and Member of the Executive Board of the Swiss Academic Society for Environmental Research and Ecology (saguf). Internationally, he contributes as Senior Advisor at the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) in India, Member of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences, and contributor to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
Bergman's research centers on socio-sustainable transitions through the Proof of Transition Concepts (proTract) research program, which investigates real-world examples of successful sustainability transitions where diverse actors forge cooperative solutions with positive social and ecological outcomes. His work examines how transitions happen and aims to provide actionable insights for fostering them across different contexts. Methodological development in social sciences forms another key research pillar, where he advances qualitative and mixed methods research designs to expand their analytical capacity. He specifically explores the limits and potential of case study research, examining how academic rigor can be maintained while addressing complex real-world phenomena.
Analysis of Bergman's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on sustainability transformations across multiple domains. His work spans urban mobility (bicycle sharing systems), health promotion interventions, educational approaches, and ESG reporting frameworks. The research demonstrates a methodological emphasis on mixed methods and qualitative approaches applied to complex socio-environmental challenges. Geographic scope covers Europe, Singapore, South Africa, and India, reflecting his international research collaborations.
Bergman directs the Social Transitions Research Group, which includes researchers like Zinette Bergman, Basil Bornemann, Rico Defila, and others working on projects including 'Food coalitions beyond the local scale' and 'Your Social Science Research Project.' His research projects frequently involve cross-sectoral and international collaborations, reflecting commitment to academic excellence and societal relevance. He regularly teaches research methods workshops across Europe and Asia, contributing to methodological training in social science research.
