Sebastian Schirrmeister

Dr. Sebastian Schirrmeister is a Researcher at the Cluster of Excellence 'Understanding Written Artefacts' (UWA) at the University of Hamburg, where he has worked since 2022. His academic journey includes a PhD in German Literature (2017) and prior positions as a Research Associate at the University of Hamburg's German Department and Walter A. Berendsohn Research Center for German Literature in Exile (2011-2019). He has also held prestigious fellowships, including the Moritz Stern Early Career Fellowship (2019) and a Visiting Research Fellowship (2024).

• Current role: Project Lead for 'A Fresh Look: Visualizing Digitized German-Jewish Archives' (2024-2025)
• Prior role: Research Associate for 'Wandering Artefacts: The Materialistic History of German-Jewish Archives' (2020-2024)
• Education: M.A. in Jewish Studies and German Literature (University of Potsdam, 2005-2011)

His research interests focus on German-Jewish archival materiality, digital humanities approaches to cultural heritage, and the socio-emotional dimensions of exile. Publications like 'Im unbefreundeten Kosmos' and 'A Guide for the Perplexed' demonstrate his work at the intersection of digital preservation and Jewish literary history. He co-edited the special issue 'Exile and Emotions' (2024) with Elisabeth Kilchmann, exploring affective dimensions in exile narratives.

Scientific awards include:

• Joseph Carlebach Award (2013) for contributions to Jewish history and culture
• Moritz Stern Fellowship (2019) for Modern Jewish Studies
• DAAD Study Scholarship (2008-2009) for Haifa University research

He actively contributes to international research teams, collaborating on projects like the National Library of Israel's German-Jewish Archives and the Levezow Album digital edition. His work bridges technical innovation (data linking, digital visualization) with cultural analysis of Jewish diasporic identity.