Stefan Manz

Stefan Manz is a Professor of Global History at Aston University, affiliated with the Department of Politics, History and International Relations. He holds external roles as a Research Associate at the University of Pretoria, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. His research focuses on global entanglements, particularly the First World War, Germany’s diasporic communities, and public history. He has been funded by prestigious bodies such as the AHRC and DAAD, and leads projects like the Internment Research Centre and South Africa World War I: Digital and Virtual Experiences. His monographs include Enemies in the Empire (Oxford UP, 2020) and Constructing a German Diaspora (Routledge, 2014). He teaches courses on war, genocide, and global history. His awards include the Best Virtual Reality Experience (2024) and the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title (2014).

Education:

• I. Staatsexamen (Freiburg University: History, German, Pedagogics)
• PhD (Durham University: 'Migrants and Internees. Germans in Glasgow, 1864-1918')

Research Interests:
Manz explores the intersections of global history, migration, and conflict. His work on civilian internment during WWI and Germany’s transnational networks has shaped public history initiatives. He employs innovative methods like virtual reality to enhance historical empathy. Key themes include colonialism, diaspora identity, and the legacy of empire.

Grants & Impact:

• Funded projects: AHRC, Innovate UK, British Academy
• Public history collaborations with museums and educational institutions

Labs/Teams: Coordinates the Internment Research Centre and contributes to the South Africa WWI digital initiatives.