Matthias Middell

Prof. Matthias Middell is a Professor of Cultural History at the Global and European Studies Institute, University of Leipzig, and serves as Vice Rector for Campus Development: Cooperation and Internationalization. He is Deputy Director of the Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics and a member of the Academia Europaea. His research focuses on global history, spatialization processes, and cultural transfers, with notable contributions to the history of French globalization and transregional dynamics.

Education:

• Doctorate (1989): University of Leipzig, History of the French Counter-Revolution
• Habilitation (2002): University of Leipzig, World Historiography
• Studies (1981–1989): Leipzig and Moscow Universities

Research Interests:

• Global history methodologies and spatial dynamics
• Re-spatialization of world territories since the 18th century
• Cultural transfers between Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean
• Historiography of globalization and French revolutionary impacts

Key Cooperations:

• European Master’s Program in Global Studies (Leipzig, London, Vienna)
• Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics
• BMBF-funded Research Institute for Social Cohesion

Teaching: Courses on global history, cultural transfers, and comparative revolutionary studies. Recent modules include Global Dynamics and History of French Globalization Projects.

Awards: Membership in the prestigious Academia Europaea.

Leadership Roles:

• Directed the Global and European Studies Institute (2008–2022)
• Spokesperson for DFG Collaborative Research Centre 1199
• Co-developed international academic programs in Africa and Europe

Labs/Teams: Active in the Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics and the Leibniz ScienceCampus “Eastern Europe – Global Area.”