News
Application deadlines for funding programmes in 2023
The 2023/2024 application deadlines for online applications to the PICAIS grant programs are:
Wednesday, March 15, 2023,
Monday, May 15, 2023 and
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
- Fellowships/Guest Scholar Program (PICAIS Research-in-Residence Fellowships) and
- Event Funding (PICAIS Event Funding).
Digital Research Magazine: To persuade people to have a linguistic inferiority complex obstructs democracy
PICAIS Fellow Prof. Dr. Ingrid Piller researches language and diversity. A conversation about communication without a shared language, her adopted country Australia and her origins in the Bavarian Forest can be found in the Digital Research Magazine article on this page.
Prof. Dr. Piller is Professor of Applied Linguistics at Macquarie University in Sydney. She is currently completing a one-month research stay at the Department of English Language and Culture of Prof. Dr. Daniela Wawra on the topic of "Linguistic Diversity and Social Participation".
Guest Lecture: English in Australia by PICAIS-Fellow and Visting Professor Prof. Dr. Ingrid Piller (Macquarie University, Sydney)
May 8 2023, 10.30 a.m.
Location: Phil HS 2 (Innstraße 25)
The lecture will be held in German. All members of the University of Passau and interested members of the public are cordially invited to the event.
The PICAIS welcomes new Fellows at the University of Passau in May
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Diana Mistreanu from the University of Szeged and Prof. Dr. Ingrid Piller from the Macquarie University in Sydney to the PICAIS Research-in-Residence Fellowship as visiting scholars.
Dr. Mistreanu will spend six months at the Professorship of Romance Literature and Culture with a focus on France of Prof. Dr. Marina Hertrampf on the topic "What Is It Like to Be a Migrant? Emotion and Inner Experience in Shumona Sinha's Migrant and Refugee Narratives."
Prof. Dr. Piller is completing a one-month research stay at Prof. Dr. Daniela Wawra's Chair of English Language and Culture on the topic of "Linguistic Diversity and Social Participation."
We are delighted that they have chosen the University of Passau for their Fellowship and are looking forward to interdisciplinary, collaborative work and networking. We wish them a pleasant and enriching stay!
An overview of all current and former Fellows can be found here.
The PICAIS (temporarily) says goodbye to Fellow Dr. Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova
We would like to thank Dr. Melnykova-Kurhanova for her time and commitment during the first part of her research stay at the University of Passau!
Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova is an Associate Professor of Journalism at the National Aviation University in Kyiv (Ukraine). She also serves as a media coach and is a member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine. Within the PICAIS Fellowship, she is conducting research on "Public Communication in a City under Attack: Russia's Informational Influence on the Citizens of Mariupol" at the Chair of Political Communication with a Focus on Eastern Europe and the Post-Soviet Region (Prof. Dr. Florian Töpfl).
From October 2022 to March 2023, she carried out the first part of her research stay, which focused on analyzing and structuring the transition of the information situation and, in particular, the access options on information before and during the war in Ukraine (on the example of Mariupol). She collected eyewitness reports and various materials and evidence on media use during the siege, examined the impact on local media and sighted through information dissemination on social networks. Together with Prof. Dr. Töpfl, she developed an Ethical Review Application of the Project about conducting interviews in such repressive contexts.
On February 21, Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova presented the first results of her research in a public research colloquium, dedicated to the anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale escalation of the Russian-Ukrainian war. During her speech, she shared her personal experience of being under siege in Mariupol and presented research based on modern communication methods, including the semi-structured interviews with witnesses of the siege. She also spoke about other destroyed cities in Ukraine during the war. The presentation, as her research, focused on the types of communication used during the information blockade in Mariupol, the tools of propaganda influence, and the transformation of the city’s media landscape under siege. Olena discussed the unique challenges posed by enemy propaganda narratives and public communications in the sieged city.
The event was held in a mixed format, with university staff, students and city residents attending the open seminar in person while participants from various countries joined online.
The Digital Research Magazine of the University of Passau has interviewed Dr. Melnykova-Kurhanova. If you wish to get further insights into her research and research background, you can find the article on this page.
During the last months, she also took part in other events related to her research:
In December, she traveled to Bratislava, Slovakia. In the Cover Conference How Russia’s War in Ukraine Changes Journalism, which was attended by 240 journalists and researchers from 21 countries, Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova participated in discussions, communicated with speakers and exchanged experiences from the war. The speakers focused on several aspects of war reporting in Ukraine, such as documenting war crimes and protecting human rights, being on the cutting edge of news and covering sensitive topics, providing physical security and psychological assistance to journalists, countering propaganda, getting a big picture, addressing ethical challenges and revising standards.
Shortly after, she participated in a panel discussion titled Ukrainian and Iranian fight for freedom against authoritarian regimes – similarities and differences at the University of Passau. The panel featured a number of notable speakers. During her opening statement, Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova spoke about the struggle for freedom in Ukraine. The panelists had the opportunity to ask each other questions and respond to queries from the audience.
Dr. Melnykova-Kurhanova will return to the University of Passau in October 2023 for the second part of her Fellowship for another six months to research the local working conditions of journalists in Mariupol and how their situation changed. We are looking forward to continuing the cooperation!
Research Colloquium: Characteristics of digital development in transitional democracy: Myanmar as a Case Study
The research colloquium will present the findings of a research on digital authoritarianism conducted by Dr Nwet Kay Khine, a Fellow of the Passau International Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies. Dr Khine will discuss how the coup in Myanmar transformed the emancipatory potential of digital development to the tools of digital authoritarianism. Her research analyzes how a conflict state harnesses newly gained digital power for confronting citizens’ protest and control freedom of expression by importing strategies from its digital enablers.
The research colloquium will be held in English.All members of the University of Passau and interested members of the public are cordially invited to the event.
Registration via Stud.IP 44332 or for the public via e-mail: office-devpol@phil.uni-passau.de.
Research Colloquium: Public Communication in Ukrainian Mariupol under Attack
The public research colloquium will focus on types of communication during the information blockade in Mariupol, tools of propaganda influence, and the transformation of the city‘s media landscape under siege. The researcher and PICAIS Fellow Dr. Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova will share her experience of surviving in the besieged city and the first results of her research.
The event will be held as an open reflection seminar and will have a hybrid format (offline and online). It will be dedicated to the anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war.
The research colloquium will be held in English. All members of the University of Passau and interested members of the public are cordially invited to the event.
We ask university members who would like to attend to please register in Stud.IP under the event number 21022023. If you are from outside the University and would like to attend, you can register via e-mail to katrin.arkona@uni-passau.de.
Digital Research Magazine: Shedding light on the information war over Mariupol
The Digital Research Magazine of the University of Passau has interviewed our Fellow, Dr. Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova. If you would like to get insights into her research and research background, you can find the article on this page.
Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova is an Associate Professor of Journalism at the National Aviation University, Kyiv (Ukraine). Currently, she is carrying out a research stay at the Chair of Political Communication with a Focus on Eastern Europe and the Post-Soviet Region (Prof. Dr. Florian Töpfl). There she is researching whether there was access to information beyond Russian propaganda in her Ukrainian hometown during the three-month siege.
Brown Bag Seminar - A Complete Framework for Model-Free Difference-in-Differences
Prof. Dr. Daniel J. Henderson, PICAIS Fellow, will give an opening lecture for the Brown Bag Seminar - Recent Developments in Data Science.
A Complete Framework for Model-Free Difference-in-Differences
Thursday, 15.12.2022 12p.m. - 2 p.m.
WIWI 301
An abstract and information about Prof. Dr. Daniel J. Henderson can be found here.
The brown bag seminar serves as a platform for exchange and constructive discussions on a full variety of topics around data science from first research ideas up to already published research results. It welcomes methodological talks and talks on innovative applications of quantitative methods alike. The areas of applications include, but are not limited to, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Operations Management, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management.
Further information can be found on Stud.IP under Course 39740: Doctoral Seminar "Recent Developments in Data Science".
Panel Discussion: Ukrainian und Iranian fight for freedom against authoritarian regimes - similarities and differences
In a Panel discussion on Tuesday, 13th of December in HS 1 (Philo) at 8 p.m., Prof. Dr. Lars Rensmann (University of Passau), Prof. Dr. Bernhard Stahl (University of Passau), Dr. Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova (PICAIS-Fellow at the University of Passau) and Dr. Tareq Sydiq (Center for Conflict Studies - Philips-Universität Marburg) will talk about the Ukrainian and Iranian fight for freedom against authoritarian regimes. They will look on the similarities and the differences of the two movements. The event will be moderated by Avin Khodakarim. The discussion will be in English and is open for everybody.
The PICAIS says goodbye to Fellow Dr. Edward Asiedu
We would like to thank Dr. Asiedu for his time and commitment during his research stay at the University of Passau!
Dr. Edward Asiedu is a development economist and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Business School. He researches into the causes of poverty as well as the impact of political action. From April to October 2022, he completed a research stay at the Chair of Development Economics (Prof. Michael Grimm) and, by means of the scholarship, conducted research on "The Effect of Poverty on Children's Behavior. Field Experiments in Ghanaian Villages". The project focused on measures that are needed so that poor children do not become poor parents and to what extent options can be created with the help of new, digital platforms. In Passau, he advanced experimental methods to establish whether children in African countries who grow up in poor households do not only start out from a place of disadvantage but also make decisions that will have long-term negative consequences for them.
In May, he published a study titled "Economic Recovery but Stagnating Mental Health During a Global Pandemic? Evidence from Ghana and South Africa" in the journal "Review of Income and Wealth". This study examines the mental and economic well-being of the urban poor in Ghana and South Africa between the COVID-19 lockdown and the "new normal" one year later. His publication can be accessed here.
Dr. Edward Asiedu furthermore formed part in the symposium "Digitalization of Africa - Can digitalization address development bottlenecks?" held in July, where he presented some aspects of his research. The workshop lead by Dr. Asiedu and Prof. Jann Lay from the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) in Hamburg focused on development bottlenecks in sub-Saharan Africa and discussed possible solutions through digitalization. Dr. Asiedu's focus during this event were measures to promote digitalization and their effectiveness.
The Digital Research Magazine of the University of Passau interviewed Dr. Asiedu. If you wish to get insights into his research and research background, you can find the article on this page.
It was a pleasure to host Dr. Asiedu as our first Research-in-Residence Fellow, to collaborate and network with him. We hope he had an enjoyable and enriching stay. Dr. Edward Asiedu remains closely interlinked with the University of Passau as a Research Affiliate. Through his Fellowship he now actively participates in the Research Training Group "Digital Platform Ecosystems" (DPE). Among other things, he will lead sub-projects in Ghana together with Prof. Michael Grimm.
We wish Dr. Asiedu the best for his future and hope for a further great collaboration.
An overview of all current and former fellows can be found here.
Panel Discussion: Gender relations in a changing environment
The Welcome Centre of the University of Passau, in cooperation with PICAIS and the Graduate Centre, will host its first Panel Discussion under the main topic of “Gender relations in a changing environment" on 24 November 2022 from 6 to 8 p.m..
You can find more information under Events.
The PICAIS welcomes new fellows from Ukraine and Thailand at the University of Passau
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova from the National Aviation University Kyiv and Dr. Nwet Kay Khine from the Chulalongkorn University Bangkok to the PICAIS Research-in-Residence Fellowship as visiting scholars. They will be staying at the University of Passau for six months starting in October 2022 and November 2022, respectively.
Dr. Melnykova-Kurhanova is carrying out her research stay at the chair of Prof. Dr. Florian Töpfl on the topic "Public Communication in a City under Attack: Russia's Informational Influence on the Citizens of Mariupol".
Dr. Khine had already been operating at the Chair of Development Policy of Prof. Dr. Wolfram Schaffar since April 2021 within the framework of a scholarship. Now she continues her stay under the Fellowship and researches on "The emergence of digital authoritarianism - Myanmar between Chinese and Russian influence - as a laboratory for a new regime type".
We are delighted that they have chosen the University of Passau for their Fellowship and are looking forward to interdisciplinary, collaborative work and networking. We wish them a pleasant and enriching stay!
An overview of all current and former fellows can be found here.
Sustainable Agriculture - Symposium of the Chair of Development Economics
On September 29 and 30, 2022, a two-day symposium on "Interventions and instruments to enhance sustainable farming practices - Lessons from Indonesia and beyond" was held at the Chair of Development Economics of Prof. Dr. Michael Grimm - with the support of PICAIS. Participants came from Indonesia and other German universities, and numerous young researchers from the University of Passau also took part.
The workshop was based on two research projects that are currently being conducted at the chair of Professor Grimm with funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU). Discussions in a total of five different sessions included training measures targeted at smallholder farmers as well as the potential of digital tools and smart technologies to promote sustainable farming practices, the use of affordable soil testing for the sustainable use of fertilizers, various methods of field research in the context of sustainable agriculture, and the role of digital platforms.
As part of the symposium, Prof. Dr. Matin Qaim, Director at the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn, gave a public lecture on "How (UN)sustainable is palm oil production?" Based on the great social interest in the topic of palm oil and its sustainability, Prof. Dr. Matin Qaim was also interviewed by the Passauer Neue Presse. You can find the article here: https://plus.pnp.de/lokales/passau_stadt/4448120_NACHGEFRAGT.html
At the end of the workshop, the participants discussed further possibilities for cooperation in research and teaching in the field of sustainability research.
We thank you for the active participation!
Digital Research Magazine: First PICAIS fellow explores instruments to break poverty cycle in Ghana
The Digital Research Magazine of the University of Passau has interviewed our first fellow, Dr Edward Asiedu. If you would like to gain some insights into his research and research background, you can find the article on this webpage.
Edward Asiedu holds a PhD in Development Economics and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Business School. He is currently a Fellow at the Department of Development Economics (Prof. Michael Grimm) at the University of Passau, Germany, conducting research in behavioral and development economics.
Parental leave replacement in the management
Until May 2023, Regine Fahn, M.A., will take over the management of the Passau International Centre for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (PICAIS), representing Dr. Stefanie Meister during her parental leave.
PICAIS is a central scientific institution of the University of Passau, located under the umbrella of research and junior researcher promotion. The focus is on the promotion and networking of research along the strategic thematic priorities of the University of Passau. It offers two funding programs in the area of international fellowships/guest residencies and interdisciplinary project and event ideas that break new ground thematically and/or methodologically. This year marks the third round of selection.
Regine Fahn studied International Cultural and Business Studies at the University of Passau and received her Master's degree here. She has experience as a research assistant in the International Support Services department at the University of Passau and will take over the management of PICAIS for the coming year with a half-time position.
The university management and collegial leadership of PICAIS are pleased to welcome Ms. Regine Fahn to the team.
Current Event: Symposium on Digitalization of Africa
The Passau International Centre for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (PICAIS), in collaboration with the Research Training Group "Digital Platform Ecosystems" (DPE) and the Chair of Development Economics (Prof. Grimm), invites you to the first event of the PICAIS Fellow Dr. Edward Asiedu.
Edward Asiedu holds a PhD in Development Economics and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Business School. He is currently a Fellow at the Department of Development Economics (Prof. Michael Grimm) at the University of Passau, Germany, conducting research in behavioral and development economics.
The symposium will include a workshop and a roundtable discussion. The workshop will address development bottlenecks in sub-Saharan Africa and discuss possible solutions through digitization. The round table discussion will focus on "Achieving an Inclusive Digital Ecosystem in Africa". Panelists will be Dr. Edward Asiedu and Prof. Jann Lay, Dr. Patricia Boshe (Research Center for Law and Digitalization (FREDI)) and Prof. Jan Krämer (spokesperson of RTG DPE), both from the University of Passau.
You can find further information here.
Special Research-in-Residence Fellowship for Ukrainian Researchers
As PICAIS, we stand in solidarity with our fellow researchers from Ukraine. Therefore, we established a fellowship for junior and senior researchers in Ukraine threatened by the current war. We invite applications for a visiting position at the University of Passau. The deadline for applications is July 11, 2022.
New publication by Dr. Edward Asiedu (Research-in-Residence Fellow)
Edward Asiedu published a paper entitled “Economic Recovery but Stagnating Mental Health During a Global Pandemic? Evidence from Ghana and South Africa” in the journal “Review of Income and Wealth”. In this study the authors explore the mental and economic well-being of the urban poor in Ghana and South Africa comparing the COVID-19 lockdown and the “new normal” one year later.
Dr. Asiedu holds a Ph.D. in Development Economics and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Business School. He is currently visiting the University of Passau as a Fellow at the Chair of Development Economics (Prof. Michael Grimm) and undertakes research in the field of behavioural and development economics.
His publication can be accessed here.
Change in the management of the Passau International Centre for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (PICAIS)
Dr. Stefanie Meister took over the management of the Passau International Centre for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (PICAIS) on 1 March, replacing Dr. Kerstin Theis, who accompanied the centre during its start-up phase and is now back in full-time charge of the National Research Programmes Unit in the Research Funding Department.
The PICAIS is a central scientific institution of the University of Passau, located under the umbrella of research and junior researcher promotion. The focus is on promoting and networking research along the University's strategic thematic priorities. It offers two funding programmes in the area of international fellowships and interdisciplinary project and event ideas that break new ground thematically and/or methodologically. This year, the second and third selection rounds will take place.
Dr. Stefanie Meister studied neurobiology and completed her doctorate in the field of behavioural neuroscience at the University of Regensburg. After a two-year DFG-funded research stay at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, she worked as Scientific Fundraising Manager and Project Manager at Helmholtz Zentrum München. Most recently, she worked as a Research Officer in the National Research Programmes Unit from 2020 to 2022.
The university management and collegial leadership of PICAIS are pleased to have gained an internationally experienced scientist and proven science manager for PICAIS in Dr Meister. In addition, the team in the office will be strengthened with a staff member in the summer term 2022.
Science Council study on further developing Institutes for Advanced Studies
In April 2021, the Science Council published recommendations for the further development of Institutes for Advanced Studies (IAS) - considering that the relevant centers are characterized by a variety of functions, forms and structures and face numerous tasks and roles.
The Science Council has since raised a systematic inventory of IAS in Germany and presented development prospects for IAS in Germany.
Here you can find the recommendations, analyses and brief profiles of the Science Council.
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