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Transcending boundaries Research at Trier University Published by:

Trier University This brochure was financed by the DAAD with funds International Office from the German Federal Foreign Office (AA). 54286 Trier/ Responsible for content: Prof. Dr. Michael Jäckel President of Trier University Editing: Elena Reumschüssel, Trio Service GmbH, www.trio-medien.de Layout and design: Bosse und Meinhard Wissenschaftskommunikation, Bonn Printing: Schmekies Medien und Druck, Konz-Könen

2 Transcending boundaries Research at Trier University

3 Table of contents

Foreword ...... 5

Humanities research in a rich environment ...... 6

Core research areas

Society, culture and ...... 8

eHumanities and documentation ...... 12

Environmental systems and sustainable planning ...... 16

Business and society ...... 20

Health and work ...... 24

Rooted in the region – At home in the world ...... 28

Information for doctoral candidates ...... 31

Information for visiting academics ...... 34

Trier – Living history ...... 36

Contacts and links ...... 38

4 Foreword

Dear international scholars,

In the spirit of the German writer Kurt Tuchol- This brochure’s intention is to show you, sky, who once wrote, “The greatest sight to the world’s next generation of scholars and see is the world − look at it!”, we invite you scientists, what our mid-sized German uni- to take a look at Trier University, a modern versity has to offer. Uniquely located in the higher education institution rich in tradition. border region between Germany, France, We invite you to get to know the University’s Luxembourg and Belgium, choosing Trier main areas of research and learn about our means choosing to engage and collaborate outstanding research activities. with our neighbours in established partner- ships. We also welcome our experienced You may discover that one of the projects colleagues from abroad to discover our uni- described here appeals to you and your re- versity – there is something for everyone search interests. If so, and if you do apply in Trier! to Trier University, what awaits you is a truly unique university in a truly unique town. As President of Trier University, and in the Trier is a city proud of its long history − and name of the entire University community, as it happens, much of the work done at Trier I invite you to do more than just “look at University centres around historical periods it”. I invite you to make Trier University an and traditions. Trier is a living open-air mu- exciting part of your academic career. seum – and the University provides a space in which discourses in the humanities and social sciences thrive. Trier is also a city that faces economic, environmental and social challenges − thanks to its research activities, Trier University is in touch with the times.

Prof. Dr. Michael Jäckel President of Trier University

5 Trier University – Humanities research in a rich environment

Trier University is a young, dynamic Founded in 1473, Trier University was High-profi le university with a clear focus on training closed under Napoleon’s reign in the 18th young academics. All departments are century and not reopened until 1970. To- Staff and students from various disci- active in research and benefi t from robust day, the university staff of approximately plines come together to collaborate on international networks. Collaboration is 1,500 makes for a good student-teacher research projects and lend the universi- particularly strong with university part- ratio for Trier’s 15,000 students. The uni- ty its unique profi le. Specialists in lan- ners in neighbouring France, Belgium and versity’s 30 departments across six main guages, literature and media explore the Luxembourg, with research focusing on faculties include all disciplines in the issues and challenges facing today’s in- European history and present-day Eu- humanities and social sciences – from formation society, while social scientists rope. Language and Literature Studies, Busi- in departments such as and ness Administration, Economics, and Pedagogy focus on various aspects of Law to highly specialised fi elds such as social coexistence. Japanese Studies, Papyrology and Com- putational . With a Geography/Geosciences Depart- ment among the best in Germany, Trier University is also strong in Environmental Sciences research. Over the last sever- al years the university has expanded its range in the natural sciences − including the subfi elds Psychobiology and Geoin- formatics – in order to create new oppor- tunities in inter- and multidisciplinary research Learn more about Trier University’s facul- ties and degree programmes: See pp. 8-27 for more information on Trier Ͱ www.faecher.uni-trier.de University’s main areas of research.

6 Contributing to policy and society Interdisciplinary

These activities ensure our status as one of Germany’s top 20 hu- Each university department opens its doors wide to other depart- manities and social sciences universities in terms of its ability to ments and disciplines, forging collaborations between fi elds such as attract third-party research funding – a testament to Trier’s strong literature and , archaeology and , climate combination of basic and applied research. With its ideas and in- research and , or and psychology. These exam- put, the university has become an important contributor to politics, ples demonstrate the steady growth of interdisciplinary collabora- society, business and administration in the Trier region. Especially tion, which more and more characterises research at Trier University. in the local government and healthcare sectors, Trier researchers contribute powerful solutions to real-world challenges.

Ideal for humanities scholars

During my Habilitation I conducted research at Trier University on a grant from the Alexander von Hum- boldt Foundation. Since then, it has been a pleasure to return again and again for short stays as a visiting scholar. I study the German Enlightenment and Kantian . I wanted to come to Trier because the university is internationally known for its scholarship in this area. My high expectations were met: I made plenty of academic contacts, and was able to do extensive research in the outstanding philosophy section of the university library. Since Trier is a campus university, everything can be reached on foot − that was a pleasant surprise for someone from Moscow like me! Prof. Dr. Alexei Krouglov, guest scholar from the Russian State University for the Humanities/Moscow (RSUH) in Philosophy

7 FocusSociety, culture and history

8 From antiquity to the present day

The humanities at Trier University incorporate a broad range of disciplines, from antiquity Society, culture and history to the modern social sciences, with a focus on European history and European intellectual history.

Researching Europe Diversity

The Research Centre Europe (FZE) is one of the Trier University is home to one of the fi rst Ger- university’s central academic institutes. Under man-Canadian Research Training Groups funded the direction of Leibniz Prize winner Professor Lutz by the DFG. Partner institutions include Trier Uni- Raphael, researchers in the humanities and social versity, as well as Université sciences from more than ten diff erent departments de Montréal. In the International Research Training delve into some of the key themes in European his- Group “Diversity: Mediating Diff erence in Transcul- tory and key issues facing Europe today. Many pro- tural Spaces”, young academics from Germany, jects and project groups are funded by the German Canada, Hungary, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Research Foundation (DFG). The research activities Finland and Kenya investigate the evolution of in the fi elds of history and cultural history focus political, social and cultural diversity in Europe on the aspect of longue durée and challenges and Canada since the 18th century. Dialogue and of today, analysing Europe’s defi ning traditions, exchange is an important aspect of the three- continuities across eras and recurring elements year doctoral programme, and graduate students and structures throughout its history. This takes meet regularly at workshops, summer and winter the researchers far beyond Europe’s borders as schools, and international conferences. they look for connections and interrelationships Ͱ www.irtg-diversity.com between Europe and other regions of the world. Ͱ www.fze.uni-trier.de

9 Jewish history

In 1996 Trier University established the Arye Maimon Institute for the History of the Jews (AMIGJ), named after the eminent German-Israeli historian. In numerous externally funded projects, AMIGJ researchers investigate the history of the Jews in Central and Western Europe, with a focus on the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period. As part of the “Corpus der Quellen zur Geschichte der Juden im spätmittelalterlichen Reich“ (Corpus of sources concerning the history of the Jews in the Roman-German Empire during the The research projects of Leibniz Prize Middle Ages) project funded by the Academy of Sciences and Literature in , relevant historical sources originating in the late Middle Ages are winner Professor Dr. Lutz Raphael currently being gathered, processed and published online. With its regular The DFG-Leibniz research group “After the Boom” conferences, guest lectures, and special library, the institute is a point of continues the work initiated by a research partner- call for academics from around the world. AMIGJ’s extensive international ship between Trier University and University of Tübin- network is especially strong in Israel, Europe and the US. gen. In various projects focused on the history “after Ͱ www.amigj.uni-trier.de the boom”, the group examines the structural change Ͱ www.medieval-ashkenaz.org that has taken place in western European industrial societies since the 1970’s, and sheds light on the antecedents of present-day problems and dynamics. Antiquity Ͱ www.nach-dem-boom.uni-tuebingen.de

With departments including Egyptology, , Classical Archaeol- The DFG-Leibniz historiography research group has ogy, Ancient Philosophy, Papyrology, and Classical Philology, to commenced its work on the digital Atlas of Institu- name a few, Trier University off ers study programmes in nearly all disciplines tions of European Historiography 1800–2005. This within the fi eld of classical studies. The university’s Center for Ancient Studies European research project provides online-data doc- (ZAT) facilitates exchange between the various departments, fostering inter- umenting the institutionalisation of modern histori- disciplinary teaching and, in particular, interdisciplinary research. ZAT’s focus cal scholarship and how it evolved as a profession. is on the culture and history of Egypt, Greece, Rome, Greco-Roman Egypt, and Ͱ www.fze.uni-trier.de the Roman West, including Spanish antiquity. Its goal is to investigate the cultures of antiquity and make their cultural treasures, literature and history available to the general public.

10 The research spectrum is as broad as the disciplines are diverse. In archaeology, international exca- vations shed light on the history of Greece and Egypt while local work in the Trier region continues to Local archaeological explore the Roman legacy. While the ancient historians recreate ships from antiquity, the philologists digs analyse classical literature. Geoarchaeologists engage in one of the more unusual areas of research, as researchers use the results from archaeological digs to reconstruct the changes to landscapes Once Germany’s oldest city and coastlines over time. and the former capital of the Western Roman Empire, to- Ͱ www.zat.uni-trier.de day’s university town Trier is the ideal setting for learning History in all its facets about the ancient world. Ar- chaeologists conduct digs in Trier’s Research Center for Historical and Cultural Sciences (HKFZ) believes that today’s structures the Hunsrück region, site of the can only be explained by understanding the history behind them. At HKFZ, researchers take part in ancient settlement Belginum. interdisciplinary projects to investigate the topic “Räume des Wissens – Orte, Ordnungen, Oszilla- Between 400 B.C. and 400 tionen” (Spaces of Knowledge – Places, Orders, Oscillations). Numerous research projects focus A.D. the area was settled fi rst on “spaces of knowledge” such as monasteries, convents, theatres, medieval literature, modern by the Celts and then the Ro- literature, and even travel as a source of knowledge. mans. Today, several research projects are investigating the Ͱ http://hkfz.uni-trier.de former settlements, carefully Art history at Trier University explores the region’s impressive stock of medieval monuments and mapping the area and examin- buildings, as well as outstanding works of manuscript illumination. The Social History of the Artist ing how the Celtic population Research Centre (SHARC), funded by the European Research Council, conducts basic social-historical was gradually romanised. For research in the area of artisan guild laws and contemporary fi ne arts education.The trans-discipli- university departments such nary project “Mapping Spaces” discusses new insights into 17th century Dutch landscape painting. as Geoarchaeology, teaching and applied research go hand Historical research projects are also conducted in areas such as Legal History and . in hand in this unique archae- ological park. Ͱ www.belginum.uni-trier.de

11 FocuseHumanities and documentation

12 Humanities meet computer sciences

At Trier University, one of the central goals within the humanities is not only the scholarly exploration and “tapping” of cultural heritage, Sample projects but also the systematic preservation of this heritage with the help of Epistolary Networks modern digital technology. To this end, Trier’s humanities scholars work together with computer scientists to develop new research approaches With a focus on letter correspondence and topics. between German-speaking artists in exile during the National Socialist regime, the project investigates and visualises the Digital Humanities social, spatial, temporal and thematic networks that are formed in and by these The Trier Center for Digital Humanities is one of the leading centres for digital humanities correspondences. in Germany. Housed in the Faculty of Language, Literature and Media Studies, researchers Ͱ http://exilnetz33.de/en work together across disciplines as they combine humanities research with computer science. For example, they might apply the power of computer science and computational Dictionary Network linguistics to analyse texts in large bodies of data or to establish complex connections between diff erent texts. Important dictionaries such as the Grimm Brothers’ German Dictionary, the Goethe The projects are fi nanced by the centre’s own funds, combined with national and inter- Dictionary, as well as various historical national third-party funding. The Trier Center for Digital Humanities employs some 50 language and dialect dictionaries are staff members, including many doctoral candidates, postdocs and centre-sponsored made available in digital format. The ref- scholarship holders. erence works are cross-linked with one another, allowing for more comprehen- Ͱ www.kompetenzzentrum.uni-trier.de/en/ sive scholarly research. Ͱ www.woerterbuchnetz.de

13 Renowned in IT

Trier University’s Computer Science De- partment is strongly research-oriented. Research fi elds range from databases and information systems to information secu- rity and theoretical computer science. The university is an associate of the Schloss Dagstuhl − Leibniz Center for Informat- ics, where some of the world’s leading researchers and junior scientists meet to discuss their current research. In addi- tion to the Leibniz Center, the university also operates the DBLP Computer Science Bibliography, one of the world’s leading online references for bibliographic infor- mation in the fi eld of computer science. Ͱ http://dblp.uni-trier.de/db

14 Cultural assets in the digital age

The Trier Center for Digital Humanities has four main focus areas: digital philology, digital culture and history, semantic data analysis and software systems. These fi elds are closely connected with one another. Researchers use methods from both semantic data processing and text mining to analyse large amounts of text. By analysing larger newspaper collections, for example, researchers can see how major cities and urban culture were perceived across diff erent countries and regions.

The tools used by the centre’s humanities scholars and computer scientists include two software ap- plications developed by the centre itself: the “FuD” Research Network and Database System developed in collaboration with the Research Centre Europe (FZE), and the “Transcribo” tool for transcribing and Gaining fresh ideas for independent research editing. The FuD system is an online work, informa- Germany was my fi rst choice − after all, it is a leader in the fi eld of digital tion and publishing platform which allows scholars in humanities. The Trier Center for Digital Humanities gives me the opportunity diff erent locations to work together on joint projects to pursue my project of creating a digital edition of Giacomo Leopardi’s Zi- by uploading their sources, analyses and results onto baldone. The workshops have taught me how to use the technology, and the the common platform. With the help of Transcribo, interdisciplinary environment has enriched my research. I exchange ideas digitised handwritten texts can be transcribed and with philologists, computer linguists and computer scientists, and this often republished. gives me new ideas for my own work. Some of the collaborations will surely be long-term. Thanks to the International Offi ce and Romance Studies, I also quickly found contacts outside the department. Dr. Silvia Stoyanova, Princeton University (USA), postdoc at the Trier Center for Digital Humanities

15 FocusEnvironmental systems and sustainable planning

16 Innovative approaches and models

Trier University addresses global challenges such as climate change, shortage of resource, demographic change and food security with an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and re- search. The focus is on knowledge acquisition and developing innovative concepts for maintaining ecosystem functions and managing social-ecological systems.

Analysing processes of environmental change

Climate change and human land use are altering our environment. Trier’s environmental scientists investigate these change processes and work on global sustainability-related issues both on the regional level, and in the context of international research networks. This collaborative work brings researchers in the natural sciences and information sciences together with the fi elds of economics, and law.

A major challenge in terrestrial ecosystem research is to apply local meas- urements to larger land-surface areas. A key to this is the satellite-based measurement of land-surface and atmospheric data.

17 Promoting sustainable land use

Because confl ict over land use and resource protection is such a common phenomenon, strategies for sustainable land use are being developed in response to regional climate change. To this end, Trier University works closely with partner universities in Germany and abroad as part of international collabo- rative projects. Ͱ www.sasscal.org Ͱ www.future-okavango.org Ͱ www.sumario.de Ͱ www.geoinformatik.uni-trier.de

18 Modelling environmental Transformation and planning strategies processes To develop appropriate adaptation and development strategies, researchers Modelling of environmental processes is an important supplement their fi ndings and modelling forecasts in the natural sciences with tool that allows scientists to forecast future climate socio-economic data and assessment methods. The goal is to bundle knowledge conditions and investigate the impact of future cli- of the complex interrelationships in human-ecological systems to facilitate social mate on ecological and social-economic systems. transformation – this requires legal expertise. Especially in international territory or Simulation models are applied on both the global international waters, joint planning and development strategies are only possible and regional scale to address various issues and if aspects of international environmental law and technology law are taken into challenges. consideration within the larger context of constitutional, administrative and civil law, as well as European and international law.

Climate change in the Arctic

Summer sea-ice cover in the Arctic Ocean has shrunk dramatically in recent years, with ice volume down by 75 percent in the last 30 years The legal aspects of environmental research alone. A Russian-German research partnership is investigating the impact of climate change on At the time of its founding in 1985, the Institute of Environmental and Tech- the fragile Arctic ecosystem, as well as the im- nology Law was the fi rst institute in West Germany to bring the fi elds of en- pact on climatic conditions in Europe. vironmental and technology law under one roof. Along with teaching and research, the institute’s mission today is to facilitate exchange between ac- Ͱ www.meteo.uni-trier.de/transdrift ademia and practitioners in the public/private sector, and to promote inter- disciplinary collaboration in the areas of environmental protection, technical safety and technology. Ͱ www.iutr.de

19 FocusBusiness and society

20 New challenges for the economy

In the fields of economic science, business , and mathematics, students and staff at Trier University focus on specific challenges facing business and society today, such as adaptation strategies for companies in the ever-changing business environment, or the socio-economic impacts of climate change.

Business Informatics – Intelligent Practical mathematics technologies for tomorrow’s management Mathematics at Trier University, including research in analysis, needs stochastics and mathematical optimisation, is highly application oriented. Researchers test algorithms and methods to enable Business Informatics at Trier University is focused on the further computers to answer real-world questions from the fields of development and testing of artificial intelligence solutions for economics and computer science. Their results are applied, for a wide range of business applications. The overarching goal is example, to production planning processes or profit maximisation development of intelligent technologies for tomorrow’s man- and price calculations. agement needs. ͰͰ www.math.uni-trier.de

One area of focus is distributed artificial intelligence and ­simulation, and Trier researchers are particularly interested in the topic of regulation. In addition, Trier’s business informatics specialists make the connection between the fields of knowledge management, process management and artificial intelligence. Their basic research in innovative semantic workflow technol- ogies has resulted in software systems for application in the business environment. ͰͰ www.wi.uni-trier.de

21 Survey statistics

Survey statistics is the primary fo- cus of the Economic and Social Sta- tistics Department. In various pro- Economic data in a spatial context jects, researchers develop sample designs and estimation methods, The Trier Centre for Sustainable Systems along with indicator methods for (TrICSS) houses the research cluster “forum- application especially in the area stat”, a centre for regional and environmental of poverty research. Trier’s econom- statistics. Forumstat’s research is considered ics statisticians cooperate with 16 unique for two reasons. First, it applies statis- other European partners as part of tical methods which allow researchers to gen- the European Commission’s inter- erate data on specifi c questions with minimal national project InGRID – Inclusive investment of time and resources. Second, fo- Growth Research Infrastructure Dif- rumstat has developed techniques for placing fusion. The Trier team is responsible economic data in a spatial, i.e. geographic, for statistical quality management, context. High-resolution images, for example, one of fi ve core themes within the enable researchers to graphically depict the im- InGRID project. They compile the pact of climate change on fl oodwaters and for- latest knowledge and best practices ests. The economic power of a given region can on how to improve the quality of also be depicted graphically with the help of indicators on poverty and social income distribution data. The centre’s unique exclusion. methods provide eff ective tools for today’s re- searchers in the fi eld of applied economics. Trier University statisticians were Ͱ www.forumstat.uni-trier.de also involved with Germany’s 2010/2011 national census, for which they developed the sample scheme and estimation methods. Ͱ www.statistik.uni-trier.de

22 Economy and the environment

The Department of Environmental Economics is home to numerous projects related to climate policy and the impact of climate change. Its main focus is on forecasting and evaluating the impact of climate policy on the economy. In addition, Trier’s environ- mental economists explore how economic and social systems can be adapted to climate change and how extreme weather impacts the economy.

Trier University attracts international scholars in the field of environmental economics, as it offers -re searchers the opportunity to design and partake in the entire process – from collecting data to formu- lating policy recommendations. The Trier Centre for Sustainable Systems (TriCSS) plays an important role here. The newly established interdisciplinary research association focuses on current topics in the area of sustainable systems research, with participation from the research groups Biogeography, Economic and Social Statistics, Environmental and Regional Eco- nomics, Environmental Meteorology, Environmental Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, Mathematics, Soil Sciences, and the Institute for Environmental and Technology Law (see p. 22). ͰͰ www.tricss.uni-trier.de

23 FocusHealth and work

24 Life in modern times

Along with social change come big challenges. As the population ages, it re- quires more and more care. The stress of today’s working world has caused an increase in physical and mental illness. New media have changed the way we communicate, interact with one another and form relationships. Trier University scholars are exploring ways to help society cope with these changes in various cross-disciplinary research projects. Leibniz Institute Better teaching, better International industrial relations learning The Leibniz Institute for Psy- The Institute for Labour Law and Industrial Relations chology Information (ZPID) is In an aging society, the education in the European Union (IAAEU), the leading interdis- the documentation and infor- of children and young people be- ciplinary institute of its kind in Germany, combines mation centre for the fi eld of comes all the more important. Trier analysis of labour market policy, HR policy and labour psychology in German-speak- researchers explore how schools law under one roof. IAAEU has an extensive library ing countries. Its mission is to can improve the integration of chil- with a unique collection covering international and provide scientists and prac- dren with disabilities, and, at the national labour laws for European Union member titioners with current, com- same time, improve support and and non-member states, as well as labour relations, prehensive information on opportunities for gifted and tal- labour economics, and personnel economics in the literature, tests, and quality ented children. Research in Trier’s European Union and the United States. IAAEU off ers online resources in the fi eld Department of Pedagogy focuses young scholars one- to two-month research stays at of psychology. ZPID research on designing didactic processes the institute to pursue their own research projects focuses on the psychology of so that students are motivated and and develop new ideas. information systems and sci- can fully develop their skills and entifi c research. Ͱ www.iaaeu.de talents. Ͱ www.zpid.de

25 Stress research International PhD programme “Psychotherapy Research” Trier psychologists in the interdisciplinary research group “Psychobiology of Stress” are taking a closer look at the relationship between stress and The Department of Clinical Psychology and Psycho- psychological functioning, as well as the eff ect of stress on our behaviour and therapy off ers a structured PhD programme with an social interaction. They make use of experimental methods and approaches international focus. While pursuing their PhD de- adapted from basic research in the fi elds of psychology, , grees, students also take part in lectures by visiting and , with a particular focus on the body’s re- renowned scholars, participate in national and in- sponse to the stress hormone cortisol. ternational conferences and spend a research stay Ͱ www.stress.uni-trier.de at partner universities in the UK, United States, Is- rael and Switzerland. The programme also provides support for participation in workshops and summer schools, and makes sure to integrate all doctoral can- didates in research groups.

While pursuing their PhD degree, candidates can also take advantage of practical training to prepare for a career in psychotherapy. In addition, Trier Univer- sity’s International Graduate Centre off ers students numerous opportunities to obtain interdisciplinary qualifi cations. Ͱ www.phd-psychotherapy.uni-trier.de

26 Research fields at Trier’s International Health Care Management Media in transition Institute (IHCI) include healthcare management and healthcare infor- mation systems; the Centre for Health Economics (ZfG) concentrates Our daily interaction with media shapes our society. Traditional me- on the economic and social-scientific basis for healthcare services. dia such as newspapers, magazines, radio and television continue to evolve over time while online media introduce new impulses to ͰͰ www.ihci.uni-trier.de further prompt change on the media landscape. Trier University’s Trier University sociologists provide scientific support for the im- Department of Media Studies analyses trends and identifies opti- plementation of new logistics tools for the healthcare system and misation potential with the help of a modern reception laboratory, conduct research on the effects of smartphone-based, do-it-yourself which includes eye-tracking technology. Application-oriented re- health test apps, as well on as the social foundations of the welfare search is conducted in cooperation with various media companies. state. In the area of , research focuses on the devel- The changing media landscape is also an important research field opment of party systems and federalism, the European Union, Ger- for sociologists, who consider, for example, how social inequality many’s relations to neighbouring France, as well as German foreign is perpetuated in the digital world. policy. Social scientists and psychologists join forces to conduct ͰͰ www.medienforschung.uni-trier.de interdisciplinary research on the phenomenon of resilience – the ability of individuals and institutions to withstand radical change. Gender studies

Social networks Gender studies is a particularly important area of research at Trier University. At the Centre for Postcolonial and Gender Studies (Ce- Young researchers can take advantage of the annual Summer School PoG), various disciplines interested in social, ethnic and gender on Social Network Analysis, which also provides individualised identity constructs, including German studies, sociology, media research advising and support. Developed in Trier, the innovative studies and linguistics, collaborate on international projects and software “VennMaker” allows users to evaluate data from personal activities. CePoG makes use of a diverse range of methods and networks and visualise the results with unmatched reliability. theories as contributed by the different departments. Its mission is to overcome eurocentrism in research. ͰͰ www.sna-summerschool.de ͰͰ www.cepog.uni-trier.de

27 Rooted in the region – At home in the world

With 11 percent of undergraduate students from UniGR is involved in doctoral training and or- outside Germany, roughly 20 percent of doc- ganises networking events to promote dialogue toral candidates from abroad, and a growing and exchange among its researchers. Member number of international scholars conducting re- institutions also cooperate by sharing large search in Trier, the university campus provides a pieces of equipment. rich, international and intercultural learning en- vironment. Guests from around the world feel at UniGR’s collaborative research work focuses home at the university, and with good reason: on biomedicine, material sciences and “border many have given Trier University strong marks studies”, which explores border regions from a for its openness and internationality. With nu- broad, interdisciplinary perspective and also merous international cooperation agreements touches on political, social, economic, environ- and project partnerships in all departments and mental, legal and cultural aspects. disciplines, the university enjoys an extremely Ͱ www.uni-gr.eu strong international network.

University network in the heart of Europe UniGR network partners Located on the western edge of Germany, Trier » University of Kaiserslautern and its university have close ties to neighbour- » University of Liège ing countries France, Belgium and Luxembourg. » University of Luxembourg In 2010, Trier University joined with fi ve other » University of Lorraine universities in the region to form the “University » Saarland University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). The goal of the » Trier University network is to increase student mobility and promote transnational research. To this end,

28 Eye on the Americas and Asia A strong network of international partner universities in Europe (especially in neighbouring countries and Eastern Europe), North Europe’s past and present is the subject of focus for many of Trier America and Southeast Asia (primarily China and Japan) complement University’s departments and research centres, making it one of the work of these regional centres. Cooperation partners include, the university’s more important areas of research (see p. 9). But the among others, Clark University in the United States, St. Petersburg university is also home to several research centres whose interdis- State University in Russia, Waseda University in Japan and Wuhan ciplinary research focuses on other regions of the world, and who University in China. make an important contribution to the university’s rich international Ͱ www.international.uni-trier.de profi le. The America Romana Centrum, for example, focuses on the Spanish, Portuguese and French-speaking areas of South and North America, exploring the diff erent languages, literary traditions, cultures and interrelationships. International research centres At the Trier Center for American Studies and the Canadian Studies Centre, scholars from various departments conduct interdisciplinary America Romana Centrum research on North American literature and culture. All research Ͱ www.america-romana.de centres actively maintain their long-time contacts in the respective regions, thus strengthening Trier University’s international network Trier Center for American Studies and international research presence. Ͱ www.tcas.uni-trier.de

East Asia is another important component of the university’s in- Canadian Studies Centre ternational profi le. The Center for East Asia Pacifi c Studies serves Ͱ www.kanada-studien.uni-trier.de as a contact point for scholars from various disciplines conducting research on the region. The centre provides a forum for dialogue Center for East Asia Pacifi c Studies on East Asia and facilitates exchange with the region. The Center for East Asia Pacifi c Studies regularly produces research papers on Ͱ www.zops.uni-trier.de topics such as the economy and politics of China.

29 Useful tips and information

30 Information for doctoral candidates

As an international doctoral student you have two options for pursuing your PhD at Trier University. The fi rst is to complete all of your doctoral studies at the university; the second option is to pursue your PhD in your home country and come to Trier for a short research stay.

The traditional, The structured PhD individual PhD Trier University also off ers research All Trier University departments of- training groups and graduate fer the PhD degree. If you decide programmes in which young aca- International doctorate to pursue your doctoral studies demics can pursue structured PhD here at the university, you will be studies, sometimes with fi nancial Thanks to Trier’s membership in the assigned a professor to serve as support. Successful applicants University of the Greater Region network your doctoral advisor and provide conduct their doctoral studies ac- (see p. 28), doctoral candidates have the support during the dissertation cording to a set time schedule and option of pursuing a European doctoral phase. After submitting the written remain affi liated with the respec- degree. These students write their thesis thesis you will take an oral exam, in tive department or research group in two European languages, such as Ger- which you defend your dissertation. throughout the process. Students man and English, or English and French. in these programmes benefi t from Ͱ www.uni-gr.eu/promovieren- Additional information on Trier Uni- ample opportunity for intensive di- forschen/grenzueberschreitend- versity departments: alogue and exchange with fellow promovieren.html researchers. Ͱ www.faecher.uni-trier.de The so-called “cotutelle de thèse” is another option – a binational doctoral programme which awards successful candidates a joint PhD degree from Trier University and another university outside Germany. Ͱ www.cotutelle.uni-trier.de

31 Research stays The support you need Selected research training groups and graduate programmes If you are a doctoral candidate Are you looking for outstanding International Research Training Group studying at a university outside Ger- support during your doctoral stud- 1864: many, you have the option of com- ies? Do you want to earn your PhD “Diversity: Mediating Diff erence in ing to Trier for a short research stay. quickly? The International Graduate Transcultural Spaces” Make sure to inform yourself ahead Centre (IGZ) is the place to go to Ͱ www.irtg-diversity.com of time about funding opportuni- take part in interdisciplinary sem- ties; your home university and the inars, gain additional training in DFG Research Training Group 1319: German Academic Exchange Service academic writing and obtain addi- “Cooperation of Science and Jurispru- (DAAD) are good points of contact tional academic qualifi cations. IGZ dence in Improving Development and for this. Before your research stay staff is available to provide consult- Use of Standards for Environmental Pro- can begin, you must arrange for an ing support and answer any and all tection” academic advisor who can advise questions you might have about Ͱ www.graduiertenkolleg1319. you during your time in Trier. Feel your international academic career. free to contact the university’s In- uni-trier.de Ͱ www.igz.uni-trier.de ternational Offi ce with any and all PROMT: Doctoral programme in Modern questions regarding your research and stay. During your stay you, along Ͱ www.promt.uni-trier.de with all other doctoral students, can enjoy access to the university’s extensive off ering of activities and services.

32 In addition to the International Special cultural programmes Graduate Centre, the universi- for inter national doctoral can- Making your way to Trier University ty off ers numerous activities, didates and visiting academics Individual doctoral studies or research stays services and opportunities for can help you acclimate to life in at Trier University can begin at any time during international doctoral students. Trier quickly and easily. Get-to- the semester. Before beginning your studies or These include individualised gethers, fi eld trips and city tours research stay, you must fi rst select a professor writing support, teaching as- provide a chance to explore the to act as your academic advisor. We would sistantships to gain teaching region and get to know fellow be happy to help you fi nd the right contact experience, and research assist- international students. Another person(s). antships as a way to take part meeting place for international in selected academic research doctoral candidates and stu- For the structured doctoral programmes, projects. dents in Trier is the International please note the application deadlines for the Centre respective programme. Ͱ www.iz-trier.de International students usually have a long list of “to do’s” before leaving for Germany. Depending on your country of origin, you will Learning from renowned professors be required to present certain documents upon entry into Germany. Financing must be I am working on a doctorate in the Management arranged, along with housing in Trier, so make Department at Trier University. Many professors with sure to begin planning early. impressive credentials and scholarly expertise do re- Ͱ www.phd.uni-trier.de search here. I want to learn from them. I have already had the chance to take part in conferences and col- Your contact person for all questions related to loquia, and the discussions really help me progress doctoral studies at Trier University: in my own research. In the meantime, I feel quite at home in Trier. The university organises things like Piotr Wozniczka hikes and city tours for doctorate students. Not only Trier University do we get to know each other, but we also learn International Offi ce something about German culture. Settling in was not diffi cult. 54286 Trier/Germany E-Mail: [email protected] Xi Guoqian, doctoral candidate in Business Administration from China

33 w Information for visiting academics

Trier University opens its doors wide to research- Funding your stay ers and scholars from around the world who are interested in teaching and conducting research in Scholarships Trier. Would you like the chance to deepen your A number of German organisations such as the research at our university? Are you interested in German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and collaborating with one or several of our scientists? the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) If so, read on to learn about the various support award scholarships to international scientists services available to you. and scholars. Also check if your home institu- tion or university off ers funding for research The Welcome Service off ered through the universi- stays abroad. ty’s International Offi ce supports visiting scholars The Euraxess Germany funding database: with a wide range of services both before and during their stay − from advice on entry require- Ͱ www.euraxess.de/portal/ ments and insurance to assistance fi nding an foerderdatenbank_in.html apartment. You are also invited to take part in our The DAAD scholarship database: diverse programme of events and activities for our Ͱ www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/en international guests on campus. It’s a great way to get settled into your new environment quickly. Partner universities Families are also welcome! If you plan to come If you are currently affi liated with one of our to Trier with your family, please take the time to partner universities, you might be eligible to learn about the entry requirements and consider receive special funding. Please check with the your potential childcare needs ahead of time. We International Offi ce for details. will be happy to help!

34 w

Guest lectureship Making your way to Trier University If you plan to spend a longer period of time at Trier University as a guest lecturer, If research is already being conducted your “host” faculty in which you will be teaching will apply for the necessary at Trier University in your specifi c area of funding. The university will also cover part of the cost. interest, contact the professor in charge of the project or department to determine Employment whether and under which circumstances a Employment opportunities for research projects and professorships are an- research stay is possible. The Internation- nounced regularly. If employed, your will receive a regular salary for the duration al Offi ce will assist you fi nding the right of your stay. person to contact. Ͱ www.welcome.uni-trier.de Trier University job announcements: Ͱ www.stellen.uni-trier.de For support in planning and organising your stay at Trier University please contact:

Birgit Roser Agnes Schindler Trier University International Offi ce 54286 Trier/Germany Tel.: 0049 (0)651/2 01 28 07 E-Mail: [email protected]

35 Trier – Living history

Founded by the Romans in the year 16 B.C., For wine and nature lovers Trier is Germany’s oldest city. Its impres- sive building stock bears witness to more Trier’s geographical location is ideal for than 2,000 years of history. Along with friends of the outdoors. In the heart of Mo- Roman-era structures such as the Imperial selle, Saar and Ruwer wine country, Trier is Baths (Kaiserthermen) and the Porta Nigra, the perfect starting point for excursions into Trier features a wide range of more recent ar- the surrounding vineyards, or the nearby chitectural styles including romantic, gothic, Eifel and Hunsrück regions. Luxembourg, renaissance, baroque and classical. Belgium and France are close by, with major cities such as Paris, Brussels and Cologne With a population of some 100,000, includ- within easy reach. ing the university community, Trier is a vi- brant combination of history, tradition and up-and-coming fl air. Cultural centres, thea- tres and cinemas provide a diverse range of cultural off erings, including regular concerts, exhibits and readings.

Academic winemakers

Trier University has a strong connection to the surrounding region and its traditions. As part of a vineyard partnership, students, staff and university patrons work together to cultivate a nearby vineyard, which usually results in a very good dry Riesling. Ͱ www.weinberg.uni-trier.de

36 Campus in natural surroundings The campus app It’s easy to get around in Trier. Both university campuses can be reached Campuses I and II are full of works of art and architecture by bus, bicycle or on foot, and all university facilities are located on waiting to be discovered. A smartphone app helps navigate campus. Lecture halls, laboratories, library, athletic facilities, student the campus and guides users to selected locations and housing and other service units are all within easy reach of each other. works of art, each fi tted with a QR code.

Campus I and Campus II are both set in a sprawling park landscape Ͱ www.gruenercampus.uni-trier.de dotted with numerous works of modern art, sunning lawns, streams and The app: ponds – the ideal setting to relax and take a break from daily university life. Landscape architects recently named the park one of 100 special places in Germany.

37 Contacts and links

Contacts Links

Birgit Roser Trier University International Director of the International Office ͰͰ www.international.uni-trier.de Advising and support for visiting academics at Trier University Information for international doctoral candidates at Trier University ͰͰ www.phd.uni-trier.de Agnes Schindler EURAXESS Service Centre Information for international visiting academics at Trier University ͰͰ www.welcome.uni-trier.de Trier University International Office EURAXESS: Germany for Researchers – Information for internationally 54286 Trier/Germany mobile researchers interested in conducting research in Germany Tel.: 0049 (0)651/2 01 28 07 ͰͰ www.euraxess.de E-Mail: [email protected] German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Piotr Wozniczka ͰͰ www.daad.de/en/ Advising and support for international doctoral candidates Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH)

ͰͰ www.humboldt-foundation.de Trier University International Office Research in Germany 54286 Trier/Germany ͰͰ www.research-in-germany.org/en Tel.: 0049 (0)651/2 01 42 88 E-Mail: [email protected]

38 Photo credits

Elke Janssen: Cover, 6, 28, 35, 36, 37 DigitalStorm/ iStock: 20 Tomila Akhmadieva: 4, 9 Ballun/ iStock: 22 Trier University Press Office: 5 Omersukrugoksu/iStock: 23 Boris A. Kurkin: 7 TommL /iStock: 24 Torsten Mattern: 8 Yuri_Arcurs/iStock: 26 David Ausserhofer: 10 Kutaytanir/iStock: 28 Trier Center for Digital Humanities: 12 Trier University 30 baranozdemir/iStock: 14 Charel Hermes: 31, 34 Private archive: 15 Private archive: 33 SimmiSimons/iStock: 16 Eurotravel/istock: 36 J.Stoffels: 17 Wikimedia/Berthold Werner: 39 Wikimedia/Joachim Huber: 18

39 Trier University International Office 54286 Trier Germany www.uni-trier.de