How do humanitarian crises arise, what dynamics play a role in this process, and what social impacts do they have? In other countries, there is a separate field of science that investigates such questions: Humanitarian Studies. In Germany, there is great interest in and need for scientific analysis, but the offerings are still limited.
Thanks to a grant of one million euros provided by the Gerda Henkel Foundation, the universities of Bayreuth (Prof. Dr. Joël Glasman), Bochum (Prof. Dr. Dennis Dijkzeul), Magdeburg (PD Dr. Kristina Roepstorff) and the Centre for Humanitarian Action (CHA) will collaborate to create an internationally oriented ‘Humanitarian Studies Research Network’. The aim is to connect researchers who teach and conduct research in the field of humanitarian studies in German-speaking countries. In order to ensure that this exchange is sustainable and long-lasting, a German section of the International Humanitarian Studies Association will be established.
Another objective is to transfer theoretical knowledge into humanitarian practice. To this end, policy fellowships are offered at the Centre for Humanitarian Action, strengthening the impact transfer between research, political and humanitarian practice.
Contact: Sonja Hövelmann