If you were to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Optimistic, likable, and curious.
What are your responsibilities at TU Dresden?
As the coordinator of the Emerging Field "Societal Change", I am shaping the networking and development of a research field on cultural manifestations and consequences of societal change processes, based on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at TU Dresden. By organizing interdisciplinary workshops, for example with the Faculties of Business and Economics, Water Management or Transport and Traffic Sciences, content-related interfaces and potential joint research projects are being investigated and initiated. In recent years, this has enabled "disruption" to develop into a decisive category of analysis of current social crises in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSW). The continuation of my own research activities also allows me to bring my own interests into the process of development.
What do you enjoy most about your daily work?
I particularly enjoy the interdisciplinary approach and the opportunity to gain insight into the diverse research landscape, as well as the resulting contact with many scientists at TU Dresden. As a scholar in the humanities and social sciences, I have a genuine interest in strengthening and communicating our discipline. In addition, the focus on " Societal Change" allows me to bring my own work in the field of political philosophy into the work as a coordinator. The additional external networking with the institutions of DRESDEN-concept research alliance, but also of the Lusatia region, leads not only to interesting days at work, but also enables contact to the Saxon society, which is important to me personally.
How would you define “university culture?”
By university culture I understand, on the one hand, a common profile of values that offers many possibilities for self-design and development, but can also position oneself against intolerance, especially in the context of current crises. As a University of Excellence, in addition to outstanding and international research performance, social responsibility for the region and the people living in this region should also be taken seriously. On the other hand, I also understand university culture as a common working environment. Kindness, respect, prudence and reliability should play a central role and be the basis of a professional working environment.
Where do you see the greatest need for a cultural change at TU Dresden and who would be responsible for this change in your opinion?
Basically, I experience TU Dresden as a lively, interdisciplinary and diverse place. However, one point of crticism is that the focus on one's own field of work makes cooperation difficult from time to time. More networking and more interest in each other's challenges could help improving this situation. As a Postdoc, I also see potential for change in terms of career prospects that lie below the professorship. The restructuring of the university led to special challenges in teaching, research, transfer and third-party funding acquisition, which do not always correspond to the current possibilities.
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