THE IRS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME

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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 unification 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 qualified, 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 scientific consulting services for societal organisations. By this means we promote the transfer of scholarly knowledge to relevant societal areas of practice. You can find more information on our research in our current ::: Research Programme. 3

4 RESEARCH DEPARTMENTS Our research is conducted by five 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 indepth information on every department including detailed profiles, project descriptions and staff lists. 4

5 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT DYNAMICS OF ECONOMIC SPACES Researching the Geography of Knowledge Practices, Creativity and Innovation This department s research centres on an analysis of the specificities of knowledge and the challenges related to organising creative processes in the economy and spatial development. It conceives of knowledge as an integral element of practices, which are themselves embedded in particular spatial, social and institutional contexts. Further, the department examines the spatio-temporal character of economic processes. Since innovation plays a key role in the field of knowledge economy, the department s basic research places particular emphasis on exploring the sources and pathways of innovations. On the basis of innovation biographies, the dynamics of knowledge generation as well as its economic exploitation are analysed from a spatial perspective. Beyond analytical interest, research aims to provide insights for policy and planning communities. HEAD Prof. Dr. Oliver Ibert tel ibert@irs-net.de ::: English webpage 5

6 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE AND REGIONAL PUBLIC GOODS Researching Institutional Change and Space-bound Public Goods on a Regional Level HEAD Dr. Timothy Moss tel mosst@irs-net.de ::: English webpage The department examines institutional arrangements and forms of governance related to collectively utilised goods in cities and regions. In doing so, it pays special attention to institutional multilevel systems, cross-sector interactions and the emergence of new spaces for action. Research centres on three spacebound public goods: changing energy systems, sociotechnical supply and disposal systems (which serve as both a driver and medium of urban and regional development) and cultural landscapes as social constructs and spaces of action for regional development. The department s research examines the ways regional institutions and forms of governance interact with superordinate levels of governance. At the same time, they are considered within a context of local and regional attempts at self-regulation. 6

7 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT DYNAMICS OF COMMUNICATION, KNOWLEDGE AND SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT Researching the Development of Spaces Constructed through Communication The department understands spaces as relational constructs negotiated and designed by actors, which contain both an ideational and a physical-material element. For this reason, the exploration of spatial development processes (e.g. in urban neighbourhoods or rural regions) also considers knowledge and communication as analytical dimensions. The department s researchers explore how spacebound knowledge emerges through communication and how this knowledge is negotiated, contested, and rendered operational for follow-up activities and processes. Particular attention is paid to spatial pioneers and social entrepreneurs who propose and implement innovative conceptions of space. In doing so, researchers analyse the processes of spacebound identity formation between the poles of bottom-up and top-down. HEAD Prof. Dr. Gabriela B. Christmann tel christmann@irs-net.de ::: English webpage 7

8 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT REGENERATION OF CITIES AND TOWNS Researching Urban Development Dynamics and Strategies of Action in a Context of Structural Change HEAD Dr. Manfred Kühn tel kuehnm@irs-net.de ::: English webpage The department researches the socio-spatial processes of peripheralisation. This is conceived as a multidimensional process, comprising the decline of urban neighbourhoods, cities and regions. Closely related processes include economic and infrastructural decoupling, social marginalisation and political dependence. Against this background, the department examines the potential and limits of urban policy and planning. Questions related to urban development within the context of urban reconstruction are of particular importance for the department s work. Further, a Federal Transfer Office on Urban Restructuring in the New Federal States (Stadtumbau Ost) (Bundestransferstelle Stadtumbau Ost) was established in the department on behalf of the federal government. This is a specialist centre of competence for knowledge transfer and knowledge-based policy advice. 8

9 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT FOR HISTORICAL RESEARCH/ SCIENTIFIC COLLECTIONS FOR THE HISTORY OF BUILDING AND PLANNING IN THE GDR Researching Pathways of Urbanisation and 20th Century Planning Cultures In disciplinary terms, the department positions itself at the intersection of urban history and planning history. As such, it provides insights into spatial development processes in the modern period, which are regarded as fundamental to the course of the 20th century. In particular, the department focuses on the new spaces of action and governance concepts which emerged as a result of the increasing density of urban space and urbanisation in general. In doing so, the department assumes that politics left a major imprint on both urbanisation and planning in the 20th century. Particularly apparent are the legitimation problems encountered by state politics and policies as well as resource conflicts. The department s archive supports and further develops this research agenda. HEAD PD Dr. Christoph Bernhardt tel bernhardt@irs-net.de ::: English webpage 9

10 THE SCIENTIFIC COLLECTIONS The IRS Scientific Collections represent the only archive specialised in the building and planning history of the GDR within the Federal Republic of Germany. HEAD Dr. Kai Drewes tel drewes@irs-net.de ::: English webpage In order to save and preserve important historical sources, they are, in collaboration with other archives, continually acquired, digitalised and placed online. Since 2012, the projects of the scientific collections including the long-running Workshop on East German Planning History have been realised under the umbrella of the Department for Historical Research/ Scientific Collections for the History of Building and Planning in the GDR. 10

11 THE IRS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME What we can offer you Our guests will greatly benefit 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 benefit 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 offices are situated in a historic building that was completely renovated in 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 five research departments are dealing with in their projects. We ask our visiting researchers to present their work in our guest lecturers series IRS Seminar. 11

12 Senior Visiting Fellow A Senior Visiting Fellow is an experienced researcher holding a PhD degree. Funding can be provided for a period from one up to eight weeks. Junior Visiting Fellow A Junior Visiting Fellow is a PhD candidate who works on his/her PhD thesis conducting spatial research from a social science perspective. The candidate uses his/her time at the IRS for data collection and/or theoretical studies, exchanging views with the institute s scientific staff. We offer funding for a period from two up to eight weeks. Funding We reimburse costs for travel expenses up to 800 Euro for guests coming from a European country or up to Euro for guests coming from overseas. Additionally we support the stay at the IRS with an allowance of 200 Euro per week (Senior Visiting Fellow) or 150 Euro per week (Junior Visiting Fellow). How to apply The fellowship is awarded twice a year, the deadlines for submissions are: November 1 st for the first half of the next year (visiting period) and May 1 st for the second half of the current year (visiting period). Please send a CV and the completed ::: application form to ::: boehm@irs-net.de 12

13 Who to contact If you wish to stay at the IRS the first point of contact should be the head of the department that matches your research interest and with which you would like to be affiliated. You can find the relevant contact details on pages 5 10 in this brochure. If you need more general information on the IRS, you can contact Karina Böhm who is responsible for the institute s international affairs. International Affairs Dr. Karina Böhm tel boehm@irs-net.de 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 scientific 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 find inspiration at the Berlin web portal: ::: 14

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16 Flakenstraße D Erkner Phone: Fax: