Symposium

Quo vadis regional studies? Developments in Germany and the Leipzig perspective

Date/Time: to
Type: Conference/Symposium, Presence
Location: Strohsackpassage, Nikolaistraße 6–10, Raum 716

How are geopolitics, digitalization and cost-cutting constraints changing regional studies in Germany? And what does this mean for Leipzig, a hub with over 40 regional studies professorships and several Leibniz Institutes? At this symposium on June 24, we will discuss current challenges and perspectives for regional studies - and present the results of the BMFTR-funded study “The Production of World Knowledge in Transition” for the first time.

The event will be held in German with simultaneous translation. Please register in advance.

Regional studies play a central role in researching, explaining and communicating global regional knowledge. They have developed significantly over the last two decades: they are increasingly transregional, more networked and more international. However, in the face of geopolitical shifts (keyword “turning point”), new technological developments, changing student interests and declining budgets, regional studies are facing new challenges. What role do they want to and can they play in the German higher education and research system and for society in the future?

This discussion is of particular importance for Leipzig: Leipzig University can look back on a long tradition of regional studies, which is continued today by over 40 professorships at seventeen institutes. In addition, three Leibniz Institutes in Leipzig with a global regional focus are working intensively on these topics: the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe (GWZO), the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (IfL) and the Leibniz Institute for Jewish History and Culture - Simon Dubnow (DI).

As part of the project “The Production of World Knowledge Transformed”, carried out at the Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics, regional studies and related subjects in Germany were empirically measured for the first time. On the occasion of the presentation of the central study results, we invite you to discuss the situation and future prospects at Leipzig University and beyond.

Course of events

  • 6pm
    Welcome and presentation of results
    Prof. Dr. Matthias Middell, Dr. Carolina Rozo Higuera, Dr. Kathleen Schlütter
  • 6.30pm–7.30pm 
    Panel discussion with representatives of the University of Leipzig
    • Prof. Dr. Dmitri van den Bersselaar (Professor for the History of Africa)
    • Prof. Dr. Nadin Heé (Professor of the History of Modern Japan in Global Perspective)
    • Prof. Dr. Eva Inés Obergfell (Rector)
    • Dr. Kathleen Schlütter (Research Associate ReCentGlobe)
  • Moderation: Prof. Dr. Matthias Middell (Vice-Rector for Campus Development: Cooperation and Internationalization)
  • From 7.30pm
    Reception 

Please register in advance:

Registration