Thomas Großbölting

Thomas Großbölting is a Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at the University of Münster, Germany, affiliated with the Department of History. His academic career spans decades of research on cultural transformations and historical developments in modern European contexts.

His educational background includes:

• Dr. habil. in Modern and Contemporary History from the University of Münster (2004)
• Ph.D. in Modern and Contemporary History from the University of Münster (1998)
• M.Ed. equivalent in History, Catholic Theology, and German Studies from the Universities of Cologne/Bonn, Münster, and La Sapienza, Rome (1995)

Professor Großbölting's research centers on the intersection of cultural exchange and religious movements, particularly examining how Asian spiritual traditions have been perceived, adopted, and resisted in German society since the 1970s. His work bridges German history with transnational religious studies, emphasizing cultural adaptation processes and identity formation within secularized societies.

His notable recognition includes:

• KHK Visiting Research Fellowship (2015-2016) for the project "Vom 'Dach der Welt' nach Deutschland? Die Wahrnehmung, Aneignung und Abwehr asiatischer Spiritualitäts- und Religionsformen in Deutschland seit den 1970er Jahren"