BGHS.NEWS

Children, Employment, and PhD

2026-03-31T16:41:44+02:00

Children, Employment, and PhD

The new episode of the BGHS podcast “Chances and Challenges” is about how to juggle children, a doctorate and a career. Sabine Schäfer spoke to Sophie Borchelt, who has two primary school children, is doing her doctorate at the BGHS and works as the Coordinator for Internationalisation at the Faculty of Sociology. Sophie makes it clear that it's not always easy to reconcile all of this, but that it's worth it. Listen to the podcast here.

Career Pathways: Insights from BGHS Alumni into the cultural sector (Online)

2026-03-24T14:31:32+01:00

Career Pathways: Insights from BGHS Alumni into the Cultural Sector (Online)

What professional paths lead to research- and culture-oriented institutions such as muse-ums, libraries, or memorials? In this online event, three BGHS alumni will provide insights into their current fields of work, their career decisions, and the intersections between re-search, knowledge transfer, and the public sphere.

With

Dr. Christiane Heß (Plattenhaus Poppenbüttel Memorial)
Dr. Martin Breuer (German Digital Library)
Dr. Christian Möller (Bielefeld Historical Museum)

Date & Time: April 23, 2:00 PM (s.t.)

Location: Online

Registration: by April 19, 2026, via email to bghs@uni-bielefeld.de The event will be held in German; questions and discussions in English are very welcome.

Developing as a researcher during PhD

2026-02-16T14:28:47+01:00

Developing as a researcher during PhD

In the new episode of the BGHS podcast “Chances and Challenges”, Sabine Schäfer talks to Thomas Faist, professor of sociology of transnationalisation, migration, and development, about transitions and developments of doctoral researchers during the PhD phase. They are dealing with issues such as the transition from student to researcher, the impact of different funding conditions of doctoral researchers on this development, and possible role conflicts. Listen to the podcast here.

Reden wir darüber – Forschung, Sprache, Gemeinschaft: A Successful Semester

2026-02-04T23:43:03+01:00

Reden wir darüber – Forschung, Sprache, Gemeinschaft: A Successful Semester

The Study Group "Reden wir darüber – Forschung, Sprache, Gemeinschaft" has successfully concluded! During the winter semester 2025/26, we created a space where seven international doctoral researchers not only learned German, but lived it.

What We Achieved

Throughout the semester, all seven participants presented their research projects in German and shared their experiences in a supportive, collegial atmosphere. The feedback demonstrates how valuable this experience was for everyone involved:

"Everyone in the group was very patient."

"The course leaders and fellow students who were stronger in German always supported me patiently, which significantly boosted my motivation. Moreover, it was very enriching to gain insights into different research projects and thus broaden my horizons."

"I would say that I really enjoyed the program. It was a wonderful opportunity to practice my German in a practical way and also to hear the ideas of my other colleagues at BGHS."

What Made This Study Group Special

What distinguished this group was its ease and mutual respect. In a relaxed atmosphere without performance pressure, all participants could grow – regardless of their language level. Mistakes were not only allowed but welcomed as part of the learning process.

We thank all seven doctoral researchers for their commitment, openness, and courage in presenting their research in German.

The Study Group "Reden wir darüber" has shown that language is not just a tool – it is a bridge between people, projects, and communities. We look forward to continuing this initiative!

Join Us Next Semester!

The Study Group "Reden wir darüber – Forschung, Sprache, Gemeinschaft" will continue next semester! We warmly invite all international doctoral researchers to join our group. Whether you're just beginning to learn German or already speak fluently – you are welcome! Come and be part of our growing community.

Non-academic careers in politics and political education

2026-01-29T07:55:24+01:00

Non-academic careers in politics and political education

On 22 January, the BGHS office held an online event on non-academic careers in politics and political education. Three BGHS alumni who work in these fields talked about their exciting work and their path into this professional field. The speakers were Franziska Wittau, head of the Thuringia State Agency for Political Education, Christian Ulbricht, head of the Regional Centre for Democratic Culture Vorpommern-Greifswald, and Simon Lange, parliamentary group leader of the CDU in the Bielefeld City Council. Above all, they provided valuable tips for doctoral researchers (and students) who are interested in these fields.

The advice could be summed up under the motto: Academia is not the (whole) world – even if it may seem that way when you are intensely focused on your doctoral research. However, it is not outside the world either, but the three alumni agreed that it is wise to broaden your horizons during your doctoral studies and read up on many different topics. This is because you may not have the time for this later in your professional life. Then it is important to be able to draw on a solid foundation of knowledge in order to quickly gain an overview of topics and make decisions.

Politics and political education always involve power games. However, the alumni encouraged us that this can be learned in everyday work. It is advantageous to find mentors or role models for support. Networking can also help find the way and get started in these professional fields. They recommend sticking the nose out of the bubble of university and the BGHS and orienting yourself outside during the doctorate. Gaining prior experience, for example by organising a workshop in the field of political education or finding a voluntary position, can help you start your career. This is because competition is fierce, especially for coveted positions in the civil service. Many positions are project-based at independent organisations and are therefore temporary and often not well paid. However, it can be worthwhile to take on such a position in order to gain professional experience and be at the forefront of the race for the next position that becomes available.

Don't be put off by these challenges, which are reminiscent of those in academia. The stories of Franziska, Christian and Simon show that these professional fields are definitely not boring and offer great opportunities for personal and socio-political development.

A historian’s view on PhD supervision, internationalization, and gender history

2026-01-20T08:18:24+01:00

A historian’s view on PhD supervision, internationalization, and gender history

The new episode of the BGHS podcast "Chances and Challenges" focusses on three topics: Doctoral supervision, internationalisation and gender history. Martina Kessel, Professor of Modern History and Gender History and former Vice Rector for Internationalisation and Communication at Bielefeld University, knows all three topics inside out and talks to Sabine Schäfer, executive manager of the BGHS, about what has changed in recent decades (and what hasn't) and what could be good steps for the future. Listen to the podcast here.

Paths into Non-Academic Careers – Insights into Politics and Political Education

2026-01-08T08:36:18+01:00

Paths into Non-Academic Careers – Insights into Politics and Political Education

When considering career paths after a doctorate, research and teaching are often the first things that come to mind. However, the expertise of PhD graduates is also highly sought after in other sectors—for instance in politics and political education. Many BGHS alumni have successfully stepped into these exciting fields, where they help shape social and political processes.

On 22 January 2026 at 2:00 p.m., three former BGHS members will share exclusive insights into their professional lives during the online event "Paths into Non-Academic Careers – Insights from BGHS Alumni into the Fields of Politics and Political Education." They will discuss their career trajectories, the challenges of entering the job market, and how they apply their academic skills in their current roles.

Our guests are:

Dr. Franziska Wittau, Head of Department at Landeszentrale für Politische Bildung Thüringen (State Agency for Civic Education)
Dr. Christian Ulbricht, Head of Regionalzentrums für demokratische Kultur Vorpommern-Greifswald (Regional Center for Democratic Culture Vorpommern-Greifswald)
Dr. Simon Lange, District Manager of the CDU Bielefeld

The discussion will cover topics such as how the transition from university to political practice can be successful, which expectations were met in the non-academic world, and what advice they can offer current doctoral researchers regarding their career planning.

The event will be held online, providing plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion. While the main language of the event is German, questions and contributions in English are very welcome.

Registration: If you wish to attend, please register by 18 January 2026 by sending an email to bghs@uni-bielefeld.de.

Workshop “Embodied Methods”

2025-12-18T07:52:46+01:00

Workshop “Embodied Methods”

On 14 and 15 January, the international workshop “Embodied methods: Revisiting archives and ethnography to understand gendered lived experiences” will take place at the BGHS. Participants will empirically explore innovative approaches to archival research and ethnography through decolonial, critical, and affective perspectives in three different laboratories. We will also discuss how to critically and creatively rethink traditional and well-established methods rooted in the Western canon. For this event, we are honored to host international researchers Dr. Paulina Ultreras (CIESAS-Occidente, Mexico), Dr. Jennie Gamlin (University College London, UK) and Prof. Dr. Francis Seeck (TH Nürnberg, Germany). Each of them will facilitate a laboratory, archival work, critical ethnography, and affective ethnography, respectively. The event will start with an open round table discussion where the visiting academics will reflect on the workshop’s topic. Following a small break, doctoral researchers will present their work and have the opportunity to discuss their materials in an interdisciplinary group. The participants represent a wide range of disciplines, including social work, literature studies, sports education, history, sociology and gender studies.

The workshop is organized by the BGHS members Itxaso Garcia and Raisa Ferrer, as well as Maren Lange and Sophie Halcour from the Interdisziplinäres Zentrum für Geschlechterforschung (IZG) in collaboration with the Center for InterAmerican Studies (CIAS). You find the programme here.

Quitting the PhD

2025-12-17T08:03:05+01:00

Quitting the PhD

The new episode of the BGHS podcast “Chances and Challenges” is about what it feels like to quit the PhD. Mariza Mathis, a former BGHS member, talks to Sabine Schäfer, executive manager of the BGHS, about the process she went through when she started to have doubts about doing a PhD and how she decided to quit and take up a job in science management. Listen to the podcast here.

BGHS Members‘ Meeting

2025-12-17T07:57:14+01:00

BGHS Members‘ Meeting

The BGHS Members’ meeting took place on 10 December. Sabine Schäfer gave a review of the activities that have taken place within the BGHS this year. The 20 completed doctorates were also honoured. The presentation of the annual review can be found here.
There were also previews of films from the BGHS film project "On People and Things – Science in Conversation", which was organised in cooperation with Filmhaus Bielefeld e.V.

In addition to the author Sabine Schäfer, some of the main actors were also present and celebrated, namely Iris Bartelt, Yixuan Liu, Paul Goerigk, Tiantian Li and Markus Buderath. Lorena Albornoz, Mariana Gomes and Christina Zschieschang could not be present. The release of the films is planned for the beginning of next year.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a good start to the New Year!

Academic self-government during PhD

2025-11-19T15:02:32+01:00

Academic self-government during PhD

There is a new episode of the BGHS podcast "Chances and Challenges". It asks why it makes sense for doctoral researchers at German universities to be active in academic self-government. Firstly, academic self-government enables all members of the university to contribute their perspective to the institution's decision-making processes. And secondly, it helps to familiarise oneself with the structures and people at the institution, which can also promote an academic career. Sabine Schäfer, executive manager of the BGHS, talks to Oliver Flügel-Martinsen, Professor of Political Theory and Dean of the Faculty of Sociology at Bielefeld University, about this often underestimated topic. Listen to the podcast here.

Welcome Day Winter Semester 2025/26

2025-10-15T15:20:36+02:00

Welcome Day Winter Semester 2025/26

::7 new doctoral researchers at the BGHS::

On Tuesday, 14 October, the BGHS Welcome Day for the winter semester 2025/26 took place. The BGHS director Ruth Ayaß welcomed the new doctoral researchers, who had the opportunity to introduce themselves and get to know the doctoral representatives and the BGHS office staff. Sabine Schäfer then introduced the BGHS training and study programme. We wish all new members a wonderful start to their doctorate at the BGHS.

The new BGHS doctoral researchers and their projects:

Annika Duin (History): Post für die Vergangenheit. Briefe als Reaktionen auf antisemitische Gewalt 1945–1990

Sarah Frimpong (Sociology): Digital Financial Inclusion and Transnational Labour Markets: Nigerian Women in the Madina Market

Rachel Herfurth (Sociology): Untersuchung der Kompetenzen und Haltungen von HRSGe-Studierenden der Sozialwissenschaften im Umgang mit sozialer Ungleichheit in der sozialwissenschaftlichen Bildung

Franca Heuer (Sociology): Knowledge Production in Court: Judging Jihadist-Motivated Terrorism at German Higher Regional Courts

Laura Späth (Sociology): More Than Just Hair: An Ethnographic Exploration of the Journey of Hairpieces from China to Nigeria

Vrameswari Wati (Sociology): Exploring Pro-Gender Norms: The Discourse on Feminist Foreign Policy in Indonesia

Mario Wolf (Sociology): Measuring media political orientation in German local newspapers

You can find the Welcome Day presentation here.

Making of BGHS film project "On People and Things - Science in Conversation" #5

2025-10-09T08:17:08+02:00

Making of BGHS film project "On People and Things - Science in Conversation" #5

The BGHS film project has now reached the post-production phase. This means that most of the work now takes place at the desk and in the editing room. Magnus Krenz from Filmhaus Bielefeld e.V. has created transcripts of the raw material, i.e. the films that were shot, which Sabine Schäfer then edits. On the one hand, the aim is to shorten and on the other - and this is a creative pleasure - to work out the essential issues.

Sabine poring over a transcript (Photo: private)

Of course, we would prefer to show everything, but the films should not be longer than 10 to 12 minutes. So we have to choose. And that's not so easy, because we want to keep the content coherent and also show interesting and beautiful pictures. That's where Magnus comes in, who not only directed the camera but also edits the film.

Magnus and Sabine in the editing room of the Filmhaus Bielefeld e.V. (Photo: private)

Magnus has already produced great pictures while filming and has not only put the doctoral researchers but also Bielefeld University in the limelight. Editing is now about getting to know the researchers and bringing their research projects to life.

Making of BGHS film project "On People and Things - Science in Conversation" #4

2025-09-17T08:29:18+02:00

Making of BGHS film project "On People and Things - Science in Conversation" #4

On the fourth day of filming for the BGHS film project "On People and Things - Science in Conversation", Sabine Schäfer spoke to Mariana Gomes and Christina Zschieschang about their dissertation projects.

Sabine Schäfer, cameraman Magnus Krenz and Mariana Gomes (Photo: Jörg Erber)

Mariana Gomes spoke about her research project on the situation of Brazilian au pairs in Germany. Over the past few months, she has spent a lot of time with young Brazilian women in Brazil and Germany and talked to them about their expectations and experiences of working as an au pair.

Christina Zschieschang shows the imagined future (Photo: Jörg Erber)

Christina Zschieschang then took us into space, or more precisely, into deep space. She investigates what ideas about the future are being incorporated into plans to explore the moon and Mars and perhaps even beyond. And it turns out that these ideas in Europe and the USA on the one hand and Russia and China on the other are not as different as one might think given the political situation.

Unfortunately, that was the last day of filming. But the project is far from over. From now on, the work will take place at the desk and in the editing room.

Christina Zschieschang, Magnus Krenz and Sabine Schäfer having a lot of fun during the shoot (Photo: Jörg Erber)

Making of BGHS film project "On People and Things - Science in Conversation" #3

2025-08-06T11:01:42+02:00

Making of BGHS film project "On People and Things - Science in Conversation" #3

Selfie with bags: Jörg Erber and Magnus Krenz from Filmhaus Bielefeld e.V. approaching (Photo: Jörg Erber)

Shortly before the summer break, the third day of filming for the BGHS film project "Of People and Things - Science in Conversation" took place. And this time we were lucky with the weather and were able to stage the new entrance to the main university building.

Cameraman Magnus Krenz with Markus Buderath and Sabine Schäfer (Photo: Jörg Erber)

Markus Buderath talked very vividly about his research into the reform of the Scottish police force and the experiences he made during his field research in Scotland. His project deals with the exciting question of whether and how the police contribute to nation branding and thus become Scotland's figurehead. Perhaps the German police can also learn something from this ...

Sabine Schäfer in conversation with Tiantian Li (Photo: Jörg Erber)

The conversation with Tiantian Li then was about the big, wide world. Tiantian is working in a research project focussing on socio-political measures in times of ecological crises worldwide. She is currently collecting relevant documents and information from African and Latin American countries, thereby opening up a view of the achievements of the global South.

It was another super day of filming with exciting stories, great BGHS doctoral researchers and lots of fun!

Markus Buderath, Sabine Schäfer and Tiantian Li cheerful after work (Photo: Jörg Erber)

Let’s Talk About It – Research, Language, Community

2025-07-30T08:05:50+02:00

Let’s Talk About It – Research, Language, Community

Are you an international doctoral researcher at the BGHS and would like to learn how to talk about your research in German? Then the study group “Let’s Talk About It – Research, Language, Community” in the winter semester 2025/26 is just right for you!

In a relaxed atmosphere and without any pressure to perform, we will practice presenting our projects in German, formulating questions, and having lively discussions – regardless of language level. Mistakes are explicitly welcome, as no one in the group is a native speaker – not even the facilitators!

We started this group in the summer semester of 2025. Although we were only a few participants, we had a great time – so we’re bringing it back in winter semester 2025/26! We’re inviting even more international doctoral researchers to join us.

(Copyright: Olivia Whelan)

What do participants say?

"I have the chance to present my research in German. The atmosphere is very pleas-ant, so I’m not afraid of making mistakes."

"We always start by talking for 10–15 minutes about what we’ve been doing over the past two weeks. That makes the group feel more relaxed."

"I really liked the overall concept. Everyone was respectful and patient."

"I definitely feel more confident speaking about my research in German."

Whether you’re already fluent or just starting out – you are warmly welcome. We want to grow together, support each other, and explore German as a working language – with courage, joy, and calm.

What to expect:

A safe space to speak German without pressure
Exchange about your research and other topics
A supportive, collegial atmosphere A personal start to each session: we begin with a relaxed recap of the past few weeks
And maybe even some creative ideas like short films or thematic discussions

Join us!

Meet people like you, try something new – and experience how exciting and rewarding it can be to speak German with international colleagues at the BGHS.

More info: https://ekvv.uni-bielefeld.de/kvv_publ/publ/vd?id=584491762

Summer break!

2025-07-23T21:22:46+02:00

Summer break!

(Foto: Pixabay.com)

An exciting, busy semester is coming to an end! Before everyone disappears on holiday or into the intensive writing phase, we would like to take a moment to look back.

Firstly, we would like to warmly congratulate the nine BGHS graduates (all women, in fact) who have completed their doctorates since January 2025. In chronological order, these are:

Zhenwei Wang (sociology): The Gender and Class Dynamics of Families on the Move: An Ethnography on Translocal Kinning and Caregiving in Contemporary China

Maria Guadalupe Rivera Garay (sociology): Indigene Völker und transnationale Migration: Eine Schule der Migration zwischen Widerstand, Anpassung und Rekonzeptualisierungen

Alice Farneti (sociology): Experiencing Institutionalization. An Ethnographic Study of Activism against Sexual Violence in Montreal Universities

Clara Camille Held (history): Raum, Kontakt und Gewalt – sowjetische Kriegsgefangene des Stalag 326 VI K in Zwangsarbeit in Ostwestfalen-Lippe 1941-1945

Yvonne Schellhorn (history): Qualität nach Plan? Die Material- und Warenprüfung der DDR (1945-1964) Eva Kristin Färber-Vogt (sociology): Politische Einstellungen und Orientierungen zu Europa. Eine Studie zu Schülerinnen und Schülern an berufsbildenden Schulen

Alina Isakova (sociology): Do International Organizations Cooperate? Factors Influencing Cooperation among Inter- and Non-Governmental Organizations in Early Warning and Response to Violent Conflicts

Marthe Becker (history): Ethnographie und ἐκκλησία. Überlegungen zum ethnographischen Schreiben in den Kirchengeschichten des 4. und 5. Jh.s

Anna Maria Neubert (history): Towards Mapping the Field. Eine feministische Untersuchung der Rolle drittmittelgeförderter Projekte für die Entwicklung der Digital Humanities in Deutschland (1996-2021)

We are glad that the BGHS could accompany you in the doctoral phase!

We had some great activities on the programme this summer semester: the newly established BGHS Podcast "Chances and Challenges" provides insights into the diverse spheres of the doctorate and allows a wide range of people to have their say. A big thank you to our assistant Nicole Käufler, who initiated the podcast and is driving it forward with great commitment!

BGHS Coordinator Clara Buitrago not only organised and ran "Bridging the Gap", a preparatory programme for international doctoral candidates, but also set up a new study group together with BGHS member Bagus Sugiyono, where international doctoral researchers find a space to talk about their academic activities in German without any stress. Clara, you are the best!

Sabine Schäfer, Executive manager of the BGHS, organised the ninth edition of "Linie 4" , the BGHS' public lecture series in cooperation with the VHS Bielefeld, in which BGHS members Christina Zschieschang, Malin Houben and Stefan Roepke discussed their research with a wide audience. A very special highlight was the Interdisciplinary Dialogue "Language, Culture, and Academia", in which the translator Sandra Lustig, the linguist Ingrid Piller and the historian Lisa Regazzoni discussed with Sabine Schäfer their own confrontations with the internationalisation of universities, English as an academic lingua franca and German as an academic language. And with that, the BGHS office has well and truly earned its summer break.

We wish you a wonderful summer and a relaxed lecture-free time!

Interdisciplinary Dialogue "Language, Culture, and Academia"

2025-07-04T14:11:05+02:00

Interdisciplinary Dialogue "Language, Culture, and Academia"

The relationship between languages and cultures has many facets in academia. This was impressively demonstrated by interviews conducted by BGHS coordinator Clara Buitrago with ten international BGHS doctoral researchers at the beginning of 2024. The Interdisciplinary Dialogue of the BGHS, which took place in June under the title "Language, Culture, and Academia", took a closer look at some of them. With translator Sandra Lustig (Hamburg), linguist Ingrid Piller (Hamburg) and historian Lisa Regazzoni (Bielefeld), three experts on the topic sat on the podium and discussed their own confrontations with the internationalisation of universities, English as an academic lingua franca and German as a language of science in a knowledgeable, entertaining and lively manner.

"Wir riefen Arbeitskräfte, und es kamen Menschen.“ (We called for workforce, and people came.) (Max Frisch)

Moderator Sabine Schäfer (Executive Manager of the BGHS) introduced the discussion with the observation that internationalisation is a hot topic for universities, but that the debates are primarily about gaining reputation for the universities and that international academics' own experiences and expectations hardly play a role. Ingrid Piller used her book "Life in a New Language" to provide an insight into her many years of research into foreign language acquisition and social participation in Australia. According to this, religious communities in particular manage to convey a sense of belonging by accepting people as they are and thus enabling them to find a new community even without perfect language skills. She posed the question of what secular institutions such as universities could learn from churches or mosques in this respect. Lisa Regazzoni talked about her personal experiences when she came to Germany during her philosophy studies to learn to read Hegel in the original. Living in a shared flat enabled her to feel a sense of belonging. But she also pointed out how painful it is to feel that you can't be yourself because you can't express yourself well in a foreign language. Ingrid added that universities and other institutions are not good at seeing newcomers as full human beings who not only have to learn a new language, but also things like bureaucracy, and recalled Max Frisch's saying " Wir riefen Arbeitskräfte, und es kamen Menschen” (We called for workforce, and people came). Sandra spoke about her everyday life as a translator at the University of Hanover, where she translates administrative texts, among other things. The problem with these texts is that they are also difficult for Germans to understand. Administrative staff who might be able to answer questions are often reluctant to do so in English because they don't want to give wrong information or simply don't speak English well enough. She raised the question: What is actually the role of the university in this regard and what does it mean to be international?

"English carries as much culture as any other language in the world"

Sabine reported that in the interviews with international BGHS doctoral researchers, the impression arose that they perceive English as a culturally 'neutral' language, as the lingua franca of science. Sandra confirmed that English is now the international language of science, but she also emphasised that "English carries as much culture as any other language in the world". It's not just about the language, but also about where you come from and what knowledge you bring with you. Ingrid added that the recognition of English language skills is organised hierarchically, as sociolinguistic research on language ideologies shows. Speakers of British and American English are at the top of the hierarchy, followed by settler colonies such as Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and perhaps South Africa. Then come the former British colonies where English is the official language, but where people are generally bilingual, i.e. speak at least one other language, e.g. in the Philippines or Nigeria. Only then does the rest of the world follow, where English is learnt at school. Ingrid pointed out that different speakers are valued differently and therefore have different levels of legitimacy. A kind of linguistic shadow structure develops in institutions with regard to reputation, which also applies in science. She reported on her own research project, in which she and her colleagues analysed which academics are cited most frequently in the field of applied linguistics. The results showed that 70% of citations are attributed to academics from the English-speaking world, 15% from Europe and a further 15% from the rest of the world, including China. This means that the reception of English-language publications also depends on the origin of the researchers. Sandra added that there is also a lot of good scientific literature that is not available in English and is therefore not recognised. This is where translators come into play.

À propos translation

Ingrid pointed out that translation is not just a question of (foreign) languages, but that there are many types of translations, e.g. translations of academic research results into everyday language in order to reach a broad audience. Other communication channels then play a role, such as podcasts or videos. For example, she and her colleagues set up the website "Language on the Move", in which they present applied sociolinguistic research in a generally understandable way. The website also contains a podcast in which young researchers talk to each other about their current publications (Chats in Linguistic Diversity). In this way, resources that (international) doctoral researchers bring with them can be used. Sandra added that you have gained a lot of experience and skills if you have managed to survive in a new language. And interdisciplinary exchange also requires translation work. Lisa addressed another problem with translations: she pointed out that words and terms have a genealogy and a network in which they were and are used. In other words, terms have been used before and carry a part of this usage with them. And that is difficult to reproduce in a translation. Sandra reported on her translation of the book "Enduring Enmity. The Story of Otto Kirchheimer and Carl Schmitt" by Hubertus Buchstein (2024) and the English-language glossary of words that were charged with special meaning in Germany during National Socialism, which she compiled for this purpose. She emphasised that it is important to understand the context in which a text is set and to translate it for an audience that knows nothing about it. You have to ask yourself: "What do I have to explain to my audience for the target language and what did the author not have to explain to their audience in the source language?"

German as a creative and precise academic language

In the last part of the discussion, Lisa took up the cudgels in favour of German as a language of science. She reported on the great influence that some special features of the German language have on her research. She referred to two aspects. Firstly, the German language enables creative word creations through the formation of compound nouns, i.e. the combination of two or more nouns, and the addition of prefixes and suffixes, which makes it possible to express thoughts very precisely. This is not possible in this form in Italian or French, for example. Secondly, she is fascinated by the dual nature of the German language. There are pairs of words, one of which comes from Germanic and one from Latin, e.g. Denkmal and Monument. However, these are not used synonymously, but differently, because they each have their own history. Her entire academic work is based on this dual nature, which is why the German language is the most important working language for her as a philosopher and historian.

It was an incredibly varied and entertaining exchange. This was due to the exciting topics , but above all to the great guests on the podium, who wonderfully linked their personal experiences with their work.

BGHS at the GrACe Doctoral Researchers' Day

2025-07-02T15:09:14+02:00

BGHS at the GrACe Doctoral Researchers' Day

(Photo: Carla Sauvigny-Wigge/Bielefeld University)

On 26 May, the first Doctoral Researchers' Day of the Graduate Centre took place at the recently founded Graduate and Academic Career Development Centre (GrACe) of Bielefeld University. The BGHS also had a stand. Clara Buitrago was on site, talking to people interested in doing a PhD from all over the world, and answering questions about doctoral studies in general and the BGHS programme in particular.

On the same day, the BGHS organised two further events for those interested in doing a doctorate, which Clara conducted online.

As part of the English preparatory programme for international doctoral candidates "Bridging the Gap", which the BGHS organised this summer semester, Clara provided information about scholarship opportunities in Germany. In addition, two BGHS members who are funding their doctoral research through scholarships talked about their experiences. Ji Hong successfully applied for a DAAD scholarship and Hannes Beckers won a scholarship from the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. Participants at the event thus received first-hand information and tips.

Clara also informed people from several Latin American countries who were interested in doing a doctorate about the possibilities of doctoral funding in Germany. This event, which was held in Spanish, was organised in cooperation with the Center for Advanced Latin American Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences (CALAS) and the Center for InterAmerican Studies (CIAS). And the interest is great: 35 interested people from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador took part.

It's a good thing that Clara Buitrago, BGHS' Internationalisation Coordinator, speaks fluent German, English and Spanish - and the whole world is listening.

New Podcast Episode - Challenges of Writing a Dissertation

2025-06-05T09:15:27+02:00

New Podcast Episode - Challenges of Writing a Dissertation

Writing a dissertation can bring up some challenges along the way, so we want to give you some insight into how to best tackle them. For that, I talked to Stefanie Haacke-Werron, an expert in academic writing and PhD coaching from the Writing Lab at Bielefeld University. We will start at the beginning with how to write a proposal, and talk about, among other things, feeling stuck, asking for feedback and how to stay motivated. By the Way: The Writing Centre offers many resources to support researchers, including personalized consultations and intensive seminars on academic writing.

You can find their Website here: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/einrichtungen/schreiblabor/

Some Reading Suggestions from Stefanie:

Hjorshoj, Keith (2001): Understanding Writing Blocks. Oxford University Press.
Silvia, Paul (2019). How to Write a Lot. A practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing. Washington: American Psychological Association.
Murray, Rowena (2017). How to Write a Thesis. London: Open University Press.
Becker, Howard S. (2020): Writing for Social Scientists, Third Edition. How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article. The University of Chicago Press.
Abbott, Andrew (2014): Digital Paper. A Manual for Research and Writing with Library and Internet Materials. The University of Chicago Press.
Kraus, Alexander (Hg.); Kohtz, Birte (Hg.) (2012): Geschichte als Passion. Über das Entdecken und Erzählen der Vergangenheit. Zehn Gespräche. Frankfurt/New York: Campus.

You can find the Podcast here.

Making of BGHS film project "On People and Things - Science in Conversation" #2

2025-06-05T08:53:34+02:00

Making of BGHS film project "On People and Things - Science in Conversation" #2

Two empirical poles of sociology met at the second workshop for the film project "On People and Things - Science in Conversation", which took place in May: Quali and Quanti. Paul Goerigk reported on his ethnographic research on in-company vocational training and showed how to handle a file. We planned to film outside, but the weather put a spanner in the works. Instead, we went upstairs to the second gallery at Hassan's coffee stand in the university hall. A great place with a view of the 'roof garden'! And accompanied by the hissing of Hassan's coffee machine.

Paul Goerigk, Sabine Schäfer and Magnus Krenz on the second gallery of the hall in the UHG with a view of the 'roof garden' (Photo: Jörg Erber)

The conversation with Yixuan Liu in the afternoon was completely different, as the coffee machine was actually scheduled - but the Café Ins Grüne was closed. It turned green anyway, because Yixuan had brought a green lily with her to explain how she analyses the relationship between health and education and the role played by genetic and environmental factors. With her anchoring in the quantitative long-term study of the TwinLife project, she occupies the opposite pole of social science empirical research, so to speak.

Magnus Krenz, Sabine Schäfer and Yixuan Liu at Café Ins Grüne in the building X; on observation post on the right: Ruyan Luo (Photo: Jörg Erber)

Qualitative and quantitative research are often perceived as antipodes. The film workshop was quite different, as the two perspectives of empirical research enriched each other. And yet they understand each other ...

BGHS member Anastasiia Serikova in the taz Panter Foundation podcast

2025-06-05T08:50:29+02:00

BGHS member Anastasiia Serikova in the taz Panter Foundation Podcast

(Foto: Anastasiia Serikova)

Anastasiia Serikova, who is doing her doctorate at the BGHS on the topic "Historical Museums under Putin and Stalin: Propaganda of Wars", can be heard in the new episode of the podcast format "Freie Rede. Voices from the projects ending dates of the taz Panter Foundation": https://taz.de/Unser-Fenster-nach-Russland/!6091069/ (in German). In the podcast "Our Window on Russia: Museums as Propaganda Tools", she discusses current developments in Russia's cultural landscape and the role museums play in this with journalists Tigran Petrosyan and Alexey Shishkin.

Anastasiia has a DAAD scholarship, which the BGHS has raised through the DAAD's Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP).

Die tageszeitung (taz) is a national German daily newspaper that is organised as a cooperative and whose content is freely accessible. The taz Panter Foundation was founded in 2007 by taz readers and is committed to critical journalism.

New Podcast Episode - Experience Report about a Research Stay

2025-05-22T09:19:22+02:00

New Podcast Episode - Experience Report about a Research Stay

In today’s episode, I am very happy to welcome a doctoral researcher of the BGHS, Ragna Verhoeven, to the podcast! She will join me and talk about her research stay in Paris. The purpose of this episode is to make you aware that a research stay is an option you can pursue during your Doctorate and to show you what that could look like. So Ragna will be sharing her individual experiences before and during the research stay, so you can profit from a firsthand report.

You can find the Podcast here.

Linie 4: More than politics. Morality and the good life at the princely court of the 16th century

2025-05-22T09:19:14+02:00

Linie 4: More than politics. Morality and the good life at the princely court of the 16th century

Illustration by Philipp Grotjohann. In: Des schlesischen Ritters Hans von Schweinichen abenteuerlicher Lebenslauf. Nach des Ritters eigenen Aufzeichnungen wiedererzählt von Ernst Leistner, Bielefeld/Leipzig 1878

In the 16th century, everything for the members of a princely court revolved around the person of the prince. Those who served the prince had to adhere to the norms of the court, which were communicated through court and service regulations. In addition, religiously vouched values for exemplary behaviour in princely service were communicated in court sermons. In this way, the courtiers knew how they should conduct themselves for the prince. What was considered good and what was considered bad behaviour was a matter of course for them.

In his lecture "More than politics. Morality and the good life at the princely court of the 16th century" at Linie 4, the public lecture series organised by the BGHS in cooperation with the vhs Bielefeld, Stefan Roepke addresses the question of how it is possible to adequately understand descriptions of life from past times. Using the autobiography of the Silesian knight Hans von Schweinichen (1552-1616), he shows that the ideals of court life were not just politics and how they were actually lived and experienced by the courtiers.

Stefan Roepke is a historian and is doing his doctorate at the BGHS on the subject of princely service, nobility and Lutheranism in the records of Hans von Schweinichen.

The lecture will take place on Wednesday, 04 June 2025 at 6.15 pm in room 240 at the VHS Bielefeld, Ravensberger Park 1. The lecture is held in German.

Interdisciplinary Dialogue: More than Words - Language, Culture, and Academia

2025-05-20T16:30:47+02:00

Interdisciplinary Dialogue: More than Words - Language, Culture, and Academia

On Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 6:00 pm, the BGHS will host the 8th Interdisciplinary Dialogue. Entitled "More than Words - Language, Culture, and Academia", the dialogue will focus on the relationship between language and culture in different academic contexts. The event will take place in room X-B2-103. The discussants are:

Sandra H. Lustig is a translator of academic texts, among others, and most recently translated the book "Enduring Enmity. The Story of Otto Kirchheimer and Carl Schmitt" by Hubertus Buchstein (2024). For this book, she also compiled an English glossary of words that were charged with special meaning in Germany during National Socialism, such as "space" or "healthy". With this translation work, she is helping to open up subtle cultural contexts of the language of National Socialism for today's English-speaking readers.

Ingrid Piller is a linguist at the University of Hamburg and has just been awarded a Humboldt Professorship. Her research focusses on the relationship between language and social participation. She was previously a professor at Macquarie University in Australia and, together with colleagues, published the book "Life in a New Language" (2024), which sheds light on the lived experience of acquiring a new language.

Lisa Regazzoni is Professor of Historical Theory at Bielefeld University. She is intensively involved with the relationship between history and things, for example based on Reinhart Koselleck's collection of figures. In her new project "Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History", funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, one of her aims is to develop a common language for the humanities and natural sciences in which the emergence of historical phenomena can be addressed and historical theory can be rethought.

At the Interdisciplinary Dialogue, the invited experts will discuss with each other, but above all with the audience. Sabine Schäfer, Executive Manager of the BGHS, will moderate the dialogue. The event takes place in English. Following the Dialogue, the BGHS cordially invites you to a reception in the BGHS Lounge.