University of Humanities in Utrecht and Max-Weber-Kolleg at the University of Erfurt cooperate

The Max-Weber-Kolleg at the University of Erfurt is a Centre for interdisciplinary cultural and social studies headed by Hartmut Rosa, one of today's leading intellectuals in these fields. Researchers from all over the world meet here and train doctoral students. In 2019, Director Rosa received an honorary doctorate from the University of Humanities. Since then, researchers from both institutions have been working closely together.

Joke van Saane: "Hartmut Rosa's research and analysis of concepts such as acceleration and resonance are an inspiring example of what interdisciplinary research in the social sciences and humanities can look like. At the University of Humanities, we also take an interdisciplinary approach to questions of humanity in uncertain times. It's a good match. The Max-Weber-Kolleg welcomes researchers from all over the world, with a particular focus on South Asia and South America. This will also encourage joint research projects and further strengthen the international visibility of the UvH."

On 15 and 16 February, Hartmut Rosa was in Utrecht with several colleagues to further intensify the exchange. Ten academics shared their thoughts on the challenges of normative, interdisciplinary research aimed at sustainable social change. On Thursday evening, Rosa gave a public lecture in which he presented his new ideas to students, staff and interested parties. "Social theory should revise its starting point for social criticism" said Rosa. It is time to change course. What would be needed to fundamentally change the world is a strong focus on moments, types and elements of resonant interactions and institutions instead of an exclusive insistence on things that go wrong. We are looking forward to corresponding joint research activities in the future.