Dr. André Häger is a Lecturer at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and an academic staff member at Weingarten University of Education. His career spans over a decade in political theory and history of ideas, with a focus on the life and work of philosopher André Gorz. Doctorate in Philosophy (2016, University of Greifswald) Research Assistant (2013–2022, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg) Current teaching roles in political theory, civil society, and democratic theory His research interests intersect political theory, existentialism, and critiques of capitalism. His publications analyze Gorz's philosophical foundations, ideological frameworks, and ecological political theory. Major contributions include conference reports on liberalism, modernity, and human-animal relationships. Häger received a doctoral scholarship from the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (2011–2013). His work engages with DVPW (German Political Science Association) and RLS educational policy networks.
Prof. Dr. Romana Weiershausen is a full-time Professor of Francophone German Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Saarland. She has held this position since 2014 and serves as director of the university's France Center. Her affiliations include the Cluster for European Research (CEUS) since 2021, Collegium since 2022, and memberships in CIERA, LOGOS graduate college, CEGIL (Lorraine), and the University of Bremen's Postcolonial Studies Institute. Her research focuses on 18th-century German theater and political drama Intercultural contemporary literature Gender and migration studies Cultural transfer between France/Germany Theater as negotiation space for exile Media-specific literary analysis . She has led collaborative projects like CIERA's "Urgences & frontières" (2023-2025) and contributed to cross-border graduate education. Her publications include monographs on Enlightenment theater, co-edited volumes on migration narratives, and analyses of Lou Andreas-Salomé's works. She has lectured internationally in Ukraine and Russia, and her methodological innovations incorporate digital humanities. Current projects examine European cultural co-presences and transnational theater practices.
Andrea Zanderigo serves as a Visiting Professor at the Peter Behrens School of Arts, Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences, holding a DAAD-Gastprofessur for 2024. Her academic focus centers on 'Architecture and Crisis,' critically analyzing the destabilization of urban environments due to climate change, pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, and economic shifts. She advocates for innovative architectural and planning responses to the end of the Pax Americana era, emphasizing flexible tools for reimagining cities in times of systemic uncertainty. Zanderigo's research spans urban design, architectural theory, and crisis-driven urban transformation. She examines the erosion of traditional urban structures and the emergence of new spatial paradigms, with particular attention to public space, cultural memory, and the redefinition of architectural practice. Her work bridges theoretical critique and practical application, exploring how cities can adapt to climate displacement, digitalization's impact on urban form, and the polarization of urban dwellers. Her recent publications reveal a consistent engagement with architectural representation, collective practice, and the reinterpretation of historical contexts in contemporary crises. Key thematic trends include the critical examination of urban memory institutions, the design of cultural and public spaces as sites of resilience, and the theoretical foundations for post-market urban planning. These works consistently challenge conventional architectural production while proposing alternative methodologies for civic design. Her notable scientific awards include: Nomination for the BSI Swiss Architectural Award (2018) Nomination for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture - Mies van der Rohe Award (2017) Fedrigoni Top Award (2015) Nomination and shortlisting for the Zumtobel Group Award (2014) The Icon Awards 2012: emerging architect Nomination for the Iakov Chernikov International Prize (multiple years) Zanderigo co-founded the architecture office baukuh in 2004, which functions as a research-driven collective producing internationally exhibited works including the Hollein Calling installation at Architekturzentrum Wien (2023) and the Chapel for Scenes of Public Life at the Chicago Architecture Biennial (2017). She also co-founded the critical architecture magazine San Rocco in 2010, establishing a platform for theoretical discourse that complements her academic work.
Dr. Miriam Schäfer is a researcher at the Institute for Methods and Methodological Foundations in the Social Sciences within the Faculty of Social Sciences, currently engaged in the DFG-funded project "Community Aliens" and "Enemies of the State": Intergenerational Action and Memory Structures in Families of Stigmatized Nazi Victims in Austria and Germany. Her doctoral research earned summa cum laude honors and the Faculty of Social Sciences' top doctoral prize for 2020/21. Supervised by Prof. Dr. Gabriele Rosenthal (Göttingen) and Prof. Dr. Klaus Schlichte (Bremen), her dissertation reconstructs police work as a complex interplay between organizational structures and officers' life histories through biographical theory and social constructivist frameworks. Her research focuses on critical intersections of: Professional socialization within institutional contexts Biographical experience shaping occupational practice Intergenerational transmission of trauma among persecuted groups Methodological foundations in qualitative social research Award recognition includes: Faculty of Social Sciences' Prize for best doctorate (2020/21) She contributes to ongoing research on stigmatized Nazi victim families through DFG project funding, though specific grant details and student supervision records remain unreported. Her institutional work centers on advancing methodological rigor within social science research frameworks.
Konstanze Senge is a Professor at the Institute of Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany. With 52 publications and over 4,000 reads on ResearchGate, she maintains an active research profile in sociological theory and empirical analysis, particularly examining the intersections of organizations, economics, and emotions. Her research expertise encompasses several key areas: Sociology of organizations and institutional theory Emotional dimensions of economic behavior and decision-making Risk, uncertainty, and crisis management in organizational contexts Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability Financial markets sociology and emotional mechanisms in decision processes Climate crisis and emotional responses (green emotions) Professor Senge's scholarly work demonstrates a consistent trajectory from foundational institutional theory toward increasingly applied examinations of emotional processes in economic contexts. Her recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a growing emphasis on contemporary crises, particularly how emotional responses shape organizational and societal reactions to climate change and financial uncertainty. Her research on green emotions represents a significant contribution to understanding affective dimensions of environmental challenges. Her collaborative network includes prominent German sociologists such as Simon Dabrowski, Simon Dombrowski, and Angela Graf, with whom she has explored topics ranging from financialization's impact on corporate responsibility to the cultural dimensions of neo-institutional theory. Her work examining Wal-Mart's failed expansion into Germany provides important insights into the institutional limits of economic globalization.
Peter Brödner is an Honorary Professor at the University of Siegen's Faculty III (Information Systems and New Media). With a mechanical engineering background and Ph.D. from TU Berlin (1974), he has 40+ years of research experience in industrial automation, human-centered systems, and sociotechnical design. Previously, he directed production systems research at the Institut für Arbeit und Technik and held industrial roles at Bayer AG/Mobay Chemical. His scholarly work critically examines digitalization's impact on labor, including critiques of Industry 4.0 narratives and analyses of productivity paradoxes in computer technology. Recent publications explore collaborative human-AI systems and praxeological approaches to information systems design. Dr. Brödner teaches courses on IT in organizations and contributes to the Leibniz Society of Sciences.
Christine Sheppard is a Professor at the Institute of Landscape and Plant Ecology, University of Hohenheim. Her research focuses on plant invasions, eco-evolutionary dynamics, and biotic interactions under global change. She leads projects like 'Nov-Nat' investigating long-term invasion dynamics and co-occurring invader interactions. Her research examines how alien plant species establish and spread in novel environments, considering factors like residence time, functional traits, and climate responses. Current work analyzes competitive hierarchies between native and invasive plants, transgenerational epigenetic effects of environmental exposures, and synergistic effects of multiple global change drivers. Publications demonstrate consistent themes: temporal dynamics of invasions, functional trade-offs limiting alien fitness, and meta-analyses of invasion success factors. Recent articles emphasize experimental approaches linking trait evolution with invasion success over time. She contributes to large-scale collaborations including the TRY plant trait database and develops statistical methods for ecological data analysis.
Chiara Ferrante is a Researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI , part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft , within the Department of Innovation and Knowledge Economy . She joined in March 2023. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Spatial Dynamics Lab, University College Dublin (2022–2023). Ferrante holds a PhD in Economic Geography from Sapienza University of Rome (2021), with a thesis on political preferences and institutional quality in European regions and Italian municipalities, and a Master's in Economics from the same institution. Her research focuses on political geography , innovation economics , smart specialization policies , and technology transfer . Current projects include analyzing enabling technologies' criticality, monitoring EU industrial ecosystems, and studying knowledge transfer between science and industry. Notable publications address populism, regional development, and the impact of economic shocks on political dynamics. Education: PhD in Economic Geography, Sapienza University of Rome (2021) Master's in Economics, Sapienza University of Rome Undergraduate Economics, Sapienza University of Rome Key Projects: ERA Monitor Operationalisation of Open Strategic Autonomy in Industrial Innovation AI-supported Knowledge Transfer Analysis Grants & Funding: Details not explicitly stated in texts. However, her work aligns with EU policy initiatives and innovation funding priorities. Awards: None explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Her contributions are reflected in her research output and institutional affiliations. Labs/Teams: Previously affiliated with the Spatial Dynamics Lab (UCC Dublin). Currently part of the Innovation and Knowledge Economy Department at Fraunhofer ISI, collaborating on cross-cutting topics like regional innovation systems and policy analysis.
Prof. Dr. Fabian Goppelsröder (born 1977) is a Professor of Art and Theory at the State Academy of Fine Arts Karlsruhe since 2023 and has served as Vice President (Prorektor) since November 2023. His work bridges art theory , philosophy , and media aesthetics , focusing on gestures , precarity , and digital culture . He previously held positions at HBK Braunschweig, Studio Aisslinger, and institutions in Berlin, Zurich, and Chicago. Research : Gestural epistemology, Wittgensteinian influence, digital media aesthetics, ethical ambiguity in art Awards : Feodor Lynen Fellowship (2015-2017) Publications : Explore microforms (Twitter, calendar poetry), cyborgs in optimization society , and gestures as thinking figures across 15+ works. Collaborations include editorial projects on visual thinking and image-gesture interplay . His academic roles reflect a trajectory merging artistic practice and theoretical critique .
Josep García Coll is a researcher at the Department of Heterogeneity and Education, Freien Universität Berlin, specializing in radicalization prevention, violent extremism, and inclusive education. His work bridges psychology and policy analysis, focusing on risk assessment tools and rehabilitation programs in prison and probation contexts. Education: PhD in Social Sciences (Psychology) from the University of Córdoba (2024), Master in Research in Behavior and Cognition (2020), Master in Peace, Conflicts and Development (2012). Research Interests: Garcia Coll examines psycho-social drivers of radicalization, applying the 3N model across global contexts like the MENA region and the Sahel. His projects include transnational policy analysis, community resilience-building, and gender dynamics in STEM education. Projects: Contributed to INTERRAD (EU-funded radicalization prevention), HOPE (holistic prevention initiatives), PAVE (Horizon 2020 community resilience), and MIRAD (European migration and security policy). Contact: Email - j.garcia.coll@fu-berlin.de .
Prof. Dr. Rita Burrichter, a faculty member at the University of Paderborn's Faculty of Cultural Studies, serves as a Professor in the Department of Practical Theology. Her career spans academic roles and editorial leadership, including co-editing 'sensus Religion' and directing the journal 'Katechetische Blätter' since 2013. Studied Catholic Theology, Art History, and Philosophy in Münster/Bochum PhD in Theology with interdisciplinary focus on art mediation Academic positions at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (1989-1996, 1998-2004) and Professorship at Paderborn (2004-present) Her research bridges religious education with art history, focusing on aesthetic learning, pop culture, and gender studies. Key subfields include art's role in theological pedagogy and interfaith dialogue frameworks. Recent publications analyze artistic representations in education and media, with a 2019-2015 focus on visual culture, competency development through art, and heterogeneity in teaching. Collaborative projects reflect her interdisciplinary approach. Professional activities include editorial roles in theological journals, contributions to WiReLex, and memberships in academic societies like ESWTR.
Rita Morrien is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Paderborn , affiliated with the Faculty of Cultural Studies and Institute of German Studies and Comparative Literature . She leads the Master’s program in German Literature and co-directs the German Literature Department/ZFBA. Research Interests: Contemporary literature/film, intermediality, (Post-)GDR literature, 18th-19th century narrative literature, gender theories, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff studies, ecocriticism/nature writing Scientific Engagement includes: Member, Academic Advisory Board of the Center for Literature Member, Literature Commission for Westphalia Member, Droste Forum e.V. Member, Annette von Droste Society Notable Contributions: Organized intermedial exhibition series Mit Droste im Glashaus (2018-2019) across multiple venues; published extensively on Droste-Hülshoff’s transatlantic reception, gender-body dynamics in bourgeois literature, and postmodern spatial theories.
Prof. Dr. Jan C. Jansen serves as Principal Investigator and Project Manager for the subproject "Ambiguity of Belonging" within a collaborative research center at the University of Duisburg-Essen. His work examines historical-critical dynamics of political belonging during revolutionary upheavals in the Atlantic world (1780s–1820s), with specialized focus on Caribbean migration control systems and regulatory frameworks for alienness. His research spans History , Atlantic World History , Migration History , Citizenship Studies , Caribbean History , and Colonial History , analyzing how revolutionary conflicts reshaped political belonging through legal regulations of refugees. Key investigations include the interplay of religious affiliation, race, and gender in colonial belonging determinations, alongside imperial persistence of ambiguity tolerance in Dutch and British Caribbean contexts. Prof. Jansen leads a funded research initiative involving project employee Sophie Rose and student assistant Johannes Pegel, examining the Caribbean as a critical laboratory for migration control practices and their repercussions on European colonial metropolises during the revolutionary era.
Prof. Dr. Hacı-Halil Uslucan is a Professor at the Institute of Turkic Studies , University of Duisburg-Essen. His work bridges Social Psychology , Migration Studies , and Intercultural Education , focusing on integration, cultural sensitivity, and religious education. Research Themes : Migration, intercultural conflict, youth violence, Islamic education, multilingualism. Publications : Over 50 peer-reviewed articles on topics like "Gewalt junger Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund" (2024) and "Islamischer Religionsunterricht" (2011). Teaching : Offers courses in "Cultural Studies" and "Schule und Gesellschaft" , with a 2025 summer semester schedule. Grants : Participates in projects like the "Evaluation des islamischen Religionsunterrichts in NRW" (2016). Advisory Roles : Collaborates with institutions such as the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung . His 2010-2023 publications analyze violence prevention, cultural resilience, and healthcare ethics for migrants.
Professor W. Stanley Harpole serves as Department Head of Physiological Diversity at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) in Leipzig, Germany. He holds joint appointments at the Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) and Martin-Luther-Universität-Halle-Wittenberg (MLU). As Co-Speaker of iDiv and a member of the DFG Plant Sciences Panel, Professor Harpole plays a significant leadership role in biodiversity research across Germany and internationally. Professor Harpole's research program focuses on developing, testing, and applying biodiversity theory to understand the interactive effects of multiple global change drivers. His expertise bridges ecosystem, theoretical and community ecology, with specific research interests in ecological stoichiometry, niche theory, and mechanisms of coexistence. His work examines how nutrient dynamics, climate change, and other environmental factors interact to shape plant community composition, diversity, and ecosystem functioning, particularly in grassland ecosystems worldwide. Analysis of Professor Harpole's recent publications reveals a strong focus on global grassland ecosystems, nutrient dynamics, and biodiversity responses to environmental change. His research often involves large-scale collaborative networks like the Nutrient Network (NutNet), examining how multiple nutrients interact to influence plant communities across different climatic regions. His work increasingly incorporates technological innovations for ecosystem monitoring while maintaining a strong theoretical foundation in community ecology principles. Professor Harpole has been recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher, reflecting the significant impact of his work in the field of ecology. His publications frequently appear in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Ecology Letters. Professor Harpole leads major research initiatives including the Nutrient Network, a globally distributed experiment examining the effects of nutrient addition on grassland ecosystems. His work spans multiple scales from local field experiments to global syntheses, addressing fundamental questions about biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem functioning under global change. His research group at iDiv collaborates extensively with scientists worldwide to address pressing questions in biodiversity science.
