"Plenty of scope for ideas" - Reinforcement in the Structural Change Unit

Tim, you have been an officer for the Global Change and Transformation Processes profile line in the Structural Change department since August 1. What attracted you to this task at the BTU?

The BTU is a relatively young university, where many things are in a state of flux and where there are still many unanswered questions about its future development as a scientific institution. In addition, it plays a central role in the structural transformation of Lusatia - a challenge that is at least as great. I find this mix incredibly exciting, and I believe that there is a lot of scope here to introduce and implement one's own ideas in these processes. Personally, I am driven by the question of how we as a society can organize our science system and its institutions in such a way that, together with other social actors, they create the greatest possible technological and social progress for the common good. Last but not least, this position was also an ideal logical next step in my career planning: out of the immediate practice of science and into strategic science management.

What did you do before?

As an economic geographer, I conducted research at the Leibniz Institute for Spatial Social Research (IRS) in Erkner on the role of transnational universities in regional development processes and in economic diversification strategies aimed at building a so-called "knowledge-based economy". My research region was the Arabian Gulf, and even though this region differs fundamentally from Lusatia in many ways, I find it very interesting that structural change brings with it many similar challenges and logics of action to those found there. I also had contact with the BTU and some of the colleagues working here through my work on "Open Region", a sub-project of Innovation Hub 13, which was located at the IRS.

How did you experience your first weeks at the BTU?

My first weeks coincided with the semester break and vacation time - so it was quiet on campus at first. On the one hand, I found that ideal for getting my bearings and concentrating on my new area of responsibility. But now I'm also looking forward to getting to know the many interesting scientists from my profile line and other colleagues from the other units and to working together on the implementation of initial ideas.

When you are not researching and thinking, what else do you like to spend your time doing?

I've been living in Berlin for 7 years now, living with my girlfriend and two cats in Neukölln, and enjoying the many advantages of the capital. However, since I'm originally from tranquil Koblenz in the southern Rhineland, I regularly need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Fortunately, Brandenburg is around the corner and I often explore the Mark with the tent in the luggage on the bike or on my Simson Star. Because of that, and because I worked in Erkner for a long time, I know Brandenburg not only from the commuter train.

How do people reach you?

I am sitting in LG2A in room A 2.07 (phone: 4783) and I am looking forward to an exciting exchange!