You’ve become a valued part of the “Pufendorf crew” during this past month. Tell me more: What was your original plan for your stay here?
As former managing director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research at Bielefeld University (Germany), I had the opportunity to visit more than 30 institutes for advanced studies (IAS) in various countries in Asia, Australia, Latin America, Europe and North America, and became aware of the great diversity of institutional concepts that are well adapted to local requirements and needs. At all IASs are based on three main pillars: time for research, freedom for research and unusual encounters across disciplines. However, the specific workflows and formats vary greatly depending on the conditions, budget and academic infrastructure of the respective sites. The Pufendorf Institute was founded during the funding wave of university-based IASs that can be observed in many countries around the world since the Millenium.
As I got to know it better, I became fascinated by the unique Pufendorf model, which focuses on the interdisciplinary potential of the university. This enable to support new ideas and approaches in a more sustainable way with a limited budget in comparison of focusing on longer stays of fellows from abroad.
When I received the offer to return to the Pufendorf IAS, I didn't have to think twice. It is the perfect place to concentrate fully on one's research without distractions and with the full support of professional staff. I took the opportunity to read and write about the challenges and pitfalls of trans-sectoral work, i.e. how to bring together theory and practice in field the humanities and social sciences.
Why did you want to work on this? Did it go as planned?
I used to be the managing director of The New Institute in Hamburg. It was a bold experiment that brought together scholars and practitioners to address fundamental questions about humanity and societal transformation, financed by a private donor. After four years and a huge investment by our founder, it became clear that the institute was not meeting his expectations, and he wondered whether the results would meet the investment. Ultimately, he decided to discontinue the fellowship programme.
I wanted to take the time here in Lund to reflect on the exciting Hamburg experiment and the insights gained.
I believe that the Hamburg approach was timely and relevant and showed us how (and how not) to work on a new kind of knowledge production that could deliver innovative concepts for social transformation and global thinking. Of course, four weeks is just enough time to get this project started. Nevertheless, I found it very valuable to be away from home and to develop the concept for this article in an inspiring environment.
Any special moments here in Sweden you’ll treasure more than others?
Lund is a special place with a truly academic spirit. I particularly enjoyed the friendliness of the people, the beautiful nature and the peaceful evening walks through the botanical garden. From the very beginning, I had the feeling that, with distance from everyday duties, my horizons could broaden again and that some things become clearer with distance.
Your overall impressions about the work we do here?
I had the opportunity to participate in the launch of the new Theme groups and was impressed by the well-chosen topics and the great commitment of all members. I also found the professional onboarding process of the groups with a kick-off by a professional coach extremely interesting. I think this is very helpful in the challenging task of organising interdisciplinary research. I particularly enjoyed the Pufendorf alumni meeting, where I met many interesting and committed scholars who were full of new ideas and suggestions for the further development of the Pufendorf model.
I believe that this ‘interdisciplinary faculty’ could play a crucial role in launching innovative and cooperative initiatives and attracting more interdisciplinary minds. In today's highly specialised modern universities, it is rare to find places where one can live out the original meaning of Universitas. This is a unique opportunity for both the Pufendorf Institute and the university.
There is always room for improvement – give me your “top three” suggestions how we can do better?
- Make your work even more visible within the university and beyond
- Create new networks within the university and beyond
- Make best use of the fantastic building as an intellectual salon of the university.
What can we do to welcome you back again next year?
Just give me a call…
Further reading with regard to things mentioned in the article:
Link to webpage about the Pufendorf model
Link to webpage about the Pufendorf alumni network
Link to web page about the Pufendorf Themes 2025/2026
Link to New Institute in Hamburg website (opens in a new window)