THE IRS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME

Transcription

1 Information for visiting researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Regional Development and Structural Planning (IRS) Erkner, Germany THE IRS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME

2 DEAR GUEST, there is a long tradition of researchers visiting the Leibniz Institute for Regional Development and Structural Planning (IRS). We welcome scientists from a variety of backgrounds such as geography, political science, economics, sociology, history and planning. This brochure provides you with an overview of the research themes and staff at the IRS as well as the formal requirements of a stay. It aims to answer some of the key questions you might have related to your visit whether already arranged or under consideration. Please feel free to contact us for further advice or guidance. We hope you will have a pleasant and productive stay at the IRS. Sincerely, Prof. Dr. Heiderose Kilper Director of the IRS

3 THE IRS AND ITS RESEARCH The IRS conducts research on the transformation and governance of cities, towns and regions from a social science perspective. The institute s research focuses on the dynamic interrelation between social and spatial development. In this context, the processes of social construction of space are of special interest. New forms of social disparity with new social and spatial articulations are investigated as well as the impact of globalisation and the European unifi cation process on cities, towns and regions. The institute houses a substantial collection of documents on the planning history in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). The distinguishing feature of our work is its interdisciplinarity. Highly qualifi ed, inquisitive researchers from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds (social sciences, history and planning) cooperate closely at the institute. Our work in interdisciplinary teams allows us to bring together previously unconnected specialised knowledge. We combine exceptional basic research with scientifi c consulting services for societal organisations. By this means we promote the transfer of scholarly knowledge to relevant societal areas of practice. You can fi nd more information on our research in our current Research Programme: ::: 3

4 RESEARCH DEPARTMENTS Our research is conducted by fi ve departments, each with a unique approach and perspective on processes of spatial and societal transformation. Interdisciplinary collaboration is achieved both within the research departments and through cross-departmental projects. Although your stay is linked to one department, interactions with researchers from other departments will be frequent. In addition to the brief overviews below, the IRS Website offers in-depth information on every department including detailed profi les, project descriptions and staff lists. : : : 4

5 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT 1 DYNAMICS OF ECONOMIC SPACES Research on the spatial implications of structural change towards the knowledge economy This research department addresses the dynamics of economic spaces. It concentrates on the complex interactions between economic activities on the one hand and spatial and institutional structures on the other as well as on the space-temporality pertaining to economic processes themselves. These issues are addressed both analytically and in a problem-oriented way of relevance to political planning. DEPARTMENT HEAD Prof. Dr. Oliver Ibert phone: +49 (0) 3362/ mail: ibert@irs-net.de ::: mitarbeiter.php?id=195 5

6 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT 2 INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE AND REGIONAL PUBLIC GOODS Research on institutional changes relating to regional public goods DEPARTMENT HEAD Dr. Timothy Moss phone: +49 (0) 3362/ mail: mosst@irs-net.de ::: mitarbeiter.php?id=38 Regional institutions and forms of governance in the interplay between national/supranational reforms and local/regional initiatives are central to the department s research. Thematically, the research focuses on three public goods: energy systems in transition, socio-technical infrastructure systems as means and products of urban and regional development, and cultural landscapes as social constructs and areas of action in regional development. 6

7 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT 3 DYNAMICS OF COMMUNICATION, KNOWLEDGE AND SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT Research on space constructed via communication Space is understood as a relational construct negotiated by individual and collective actors, consisting of both ideational and physical-material elements. As a result, analysing knowledge is of equal importance to analysing communication in research on spatial development processes. Research addresses the following questions: How does spatial knowledge evolve communicatively? How is it being transferred, negotiated and disputed and how is its connectivity being established? DEPARTMENT HEAD PD Dr. Gabriela B. Christmann phone: +49 (0) 3362/ mail: christmann@irs-net.de ::: mitarbeiter.php?id=171 7

8 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT 4 REGENERATION OF CITIES AND TOWNS Research on course and dynamic of the development of cities and towns undergoing structural change DEPARTMENT HEAD Dr. Manfred Kühn phone: +49 (0) 3362/ mail: kuehnm@irs-net.de ::: mitarbeiter.php?id=31 Research Department 4 examines trajectories and dynamics of cities undergoing structural change. Thereby, the main focus of research is on processes and strategies of urban regeneration which are explored in relation with governance and planning issues and the participation of civil society actors. Particular attention is paid to the path-dependencies of local regeneration processes and strategies as well as to the interactions between local, regional and supra-regional scales. 8

9 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT 5 DEPARTMENT FOR HISTORICAL RESEARCH/ SCIENTIFIC COLLECTIONS FOR THE PLANNING HISTORY IN THE GDR Researching paths of urbanisation and planning cultures in the twentieth century In this department the development of new spaces of action and steering concepts for spatial development are analysed from a historical perspective. In this context special attention is given to the role of spatially-oriented practices of political power and the strategies of individuals and groups especially of experts, architects and planners as well as actors in political parties, the state and civil society. Research activities are linked systematically to scientifi c collections in joint projects and the results are presented in public debates on the critical historiography of the GDR. DEPARTMENT HEAD PD Dr. Christoph Bernhardt phone: +49 (0) 3362/ mail: bernhardt@irs-net.de ::: mitarbeiter.php?id=4 9

10 THE SCIENTIFIC COLLECTIONS History as a Resource CONTACT Dr. Harald Engler phone: +49 (0) 3362/ mail: Engler@irs-net.de ::: mitarbeiter.php?id=11 The IRS Scientifi c Collections represent the only archive specialised in the planning history in the GDR within the Federal Republic of Germany. In order to save and preserve important historical sources, they are, in collaboration with other archives, continually acquired, digitalised and put online. 10

11 THE IRS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME What we can offer you We reimburse costs for travel and provide a grant for accommodation (the latter for Senior Visiting Fellows only). Please contact us to discuss individual options. Our guests will greatly benefi t from our excellent research infrastructure and close co-operation with various universities and research institutes in the Berlin-Brandenburg region. Lectures, workshops and conferences will provide you with interesting scholarly discussions in an attractive research institute. You will also benefi t from collaborating with a wide range of researchers from various disciplinary backgrounds. We can offer a well-equipped working environment and all the services of a modern research institute. The offi ces are situated in a historic building that was completely renovated in The building also hosts the common room of the IRS staff which means you will be integrated in the institute s life from the beginning. 11

12 What you can offer us The IRS is especially interested in new concepts, fresh ideas, innovative perspectives and unusual approaches for studying urban and regional development. The Fellowship Programme is dedicated to research initiatives and exchange relating to issues that our fi ve research departments are dealing with in their projects. We ask our visiting researchers to present their work in a guest lecture and the Senior Visiting Fellows to give a seminar for our PhD researchers. How to apply Send us a short project outline (up to 800 words in English or German) describing the topic you are working on. Elaborate on what you would like to achieve during your stay. Name some of the planned activities during your stay (e.g. writing a publication, developing a joint project proposal, providing advice on a certain topic); also think about possible followup activities. Tell us which researchers und which research department you especially wish to collaborate with and if you already have contacts with some of our researchers. Finally, tell us about the probable duration of your stay. Who to contact If you wish to stay at the IRS the fi rst point of contact should be the head of the department that matches your research interest and with which you would like to be affi liated. You can fi nd the relevant contact details on pages 5-10 in this brochure. 12

13 If you need more general information on the IRS, you can contact the Science Management and Communication offi ce. This offi ce works closely with the director on strategic issues and is responsible for public and media relations. Head of Science Management and Communication Torsten Thurmann ::: phone: +49 (0) 3362/ mail: 13

14 THE IRS WITHIN THE BERLIN- BRANDENBURG CAPITAL REGION The IRS is situated in the town of Erkner, only a hundred meters from the Berlin city limits. While offering a calm and productive work atmosphere, it is only a 25 minute train ride into the heart of one of Europe s most vibrant metropolitan centres. With four major universities, over 100 research institutes and several technical colleges, Berlin is also a well-established scientifi c centre with plenty of opportunities for networking. For international guests it is easy to feel at home and balance work with cultural and recreational activities. Berlin is known for its variety of museums, concert halls, operas, theatres and clubs, while the surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for exploring, such as canoeing right next to the institute or cycling on some the hundreds of kilometres of designated paths through the state of Brandenburg. You may fi nd inspiration at the Berlin web portal: : : : onal/index.en.php 14

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16 Flakenstraße D Erkner Phone: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) / regional@irs-net.de