Stefan Siemer

Dr. Stefan Siemer is a Senior Scientist at the German Mining Museum Bochum (Ruhr University Bochum), specializing in museal collections related to coal mining heritage. Since 2014, he has led network development for coal mining archives, and since 2020, he coordinates research infrastructure projects in industrial heritage preservation. His work bridges museum studies, environmental history, and digital humanities.

• PhD in Modern History (Bonn/Zurich)
• 1996-2000: Research Volunteer at Deutsches Museum Munich
• 2001-2006: Curatorial Researcher at Ruhr Museum Essen

His research focuses on memory cultures of coal mining, collection and museum history, and environmental history. He pioneered documentation standards for mining artifacts and developed digital infrastructures like the "montan.dok" network. His 2019 book chapter on coal's visual history examines shifting perceptions from economic resource to environmental threat.

Recent publications analyze coal mining's material legacy through interdisciplinary lenses combining technical history, digital preservation, and community memory practices. He has curated exhibitions like "Kohle Global" and contributed to debates about authenticity in industrial heritage museums.

For over two decades, he has led projects such as "Getrenntes Bewahren – Gemeinsame Verantwortung" (2014-2020), establishing documentation centers for Germany's coal mining heritage. His work spans major institutions including the German Mining Museum, Ruhr Museum Essen, and Deutsches Museum Munich.