Academic Profile - methods, theories, research approaches and more…
I´m a Privatdozent (PD/Priv.-Doz.) of political science, similar to an Associate Professor. I.a. I work at the Leibniz University of Hanover, Political Science Department.
After studying political science, psychology and law to a Master of Arts (MA, score 1), along with consolidation studies of sociology and philosophy, I graduated with magna cum laude to a Dr. phil. in the disciplines of political and administrative sciences. After that, I researched, taught and finalized my postdoctoral degree to a Dr. habil. in the discipline of political science at the Leibniz University of Hanover. Formerly I researched and taught i.a. at the Open University of Hagen, the Ludwigsburg University of Public Administration and Finance, the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen and the University of Constance. My students evaluated me consistently outstanding with top marks.
My research activities in political science and administrative science focus mainly on various and extensive aspects to the question of modernizing states and public institutions, institutional state change and on sustainability of states (cp. Research focal points). In this context modernization policy I understand as a separate and an overarching policy field. I´m focused – to name just a few concise examples – on the areas of public policy and steering, multi-level and polycentric governance or e-democracy, digital democracy, e-voting, structural reforms and institutional change, usually with comparative studies on the German federal states, as well as the political systems of Germany and other European countries. Other priorities or research fields respectively research summaries can be found on my website. The research results are published high-ranked as monographs, book chapters, and especially in high-ranked international journals with an external blind peer-review process. Several high-ranked publications are available by download for free, additional papers are available on request.
I always prefer a multidisciplinary approach, which is predominantly characterized by the political sociology. My scientific methodological and theoretical point of origin can be characterized empirically and can be assigned to the rationalism as well as the positivism and neo-positivism. In particular, I operate with qualitative paradigms, and often with theory buildings of the neo-institutionalism. Furthermore, my research findings are guided by the three fundamental theoretical dimensions. On the one hand they are guided by a micro-political and by a meso-political entry. In the vast majority, however, I look for a macro-political access. In the exploration of related questions I refer to various policies, as you can see under the heading Research & Publications.
The following features set me apart from other scientists. I count myself to „cross-border scientists“, with insights into the political-administrative system, across different system levels, because I have worked – connected to my scientific activities – consultative for various ministries. Furthermore, I work – for instance – as supervisor, administrative councilor and councilman, also as referee and editorial board member, i.a. for several peer reviewed journals of course, as scientific policy advisor, and in this context as scientific lecturer and speaker. In this regard I often will be invited to lectures, keynotes, presentations, panel discussions, symposia, hearings, conferences or as an expert and advisor again and again. I give critical and provocative insight, and I try to reduce over-complexity to make theoretical knowledge reproductive for practice, about reports, surveys, comments or statements.
Here you will find