معرفی
Prof. Martin Baumann is a Full Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Lucerne’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, serving as Head of the Department for the Study of Religions. He holds a PhD from the University of Hannover (1993) and a habilitation from Leipzig University (1999). His research focuses on migration, religious communities, social integration, diaspora studies, and Hindu/Buddhist traditions in Western societies. He previously held roles as Dean (2007–2009) and Vice-Chancellor for Research (2010–2018) at the University of Lucerne.
His research explores the interplay between migration and religion, particularly analyzing how religious practices adapt in diaspora contexts. Notable areas include Tamil Hindu communities in Germany, Buddhist communities in Europe, and the role of religious institutions in Swiss civil society. He has contributed to debates on religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue, and the social functions of religious buildings in multicultural societies.
Prof. Baumann’s work bridges theoretical religious studies with empirical fieldwork, often collaborating on interdisciplinary projects. His publications span academic monographs, edited volumes, and peer-reviewed articles addressing both historical and contemporary religious phenomena. He actively engages in policy discussions about the legal status of non-recognized religious groups in Switzerland and their societal integration.
His recent projects include studies on the adaptation of Eastern religions in Europe, the sociology of religious youth identity formation, and the role of religious organizations in post-migrant societies. He has also contributed to digital humanities initiatives, such as heiMAP (a collaborative spatio-temporal research platform) and scientific data infrastructure projects like heiARCHIVE.
Prof. Baumann advises doctoral candidates in religious studies and migration sociology. His work frequently intersects with questions of cultural preservation, religious policy, and the societal impacts of globalization.
