Originally from Germany, he acquired a doctorate in political science at the Free University of Brussels. Conducts research mainly in the fields of environmental protection, technology, and energy policy. with a particular focus on international institutions and global governance issues. Interested in large-scale technologies that would help the global climate system and prevent global warming.
What are your activities at the faculty? Which one takes up the most of your time?
My main area of research is the global environmental. protection policy, especially the technological issues related to it. For example, I’m currently trying to find ways in which existing international environmental protection. agreements could cover new types of biotechnology, I am also looking for legal loopholes in these agreements, as well as measures to ensure fair and effective international. regulation. At the faculty, I teach a module on the European Union and sustainable development. I spend most of my time on studies and spend the rest teaching and writing applications for financial grants in other words, preparing project applications.
Who and why are your heroes in the world?
Probably everyone who relies on their moral values and norms, even when it’s not convenient. For example, I know some climate researchers who categorically refuse to travel by plane simply because it emits a lot of carbon dioxide. So, instead of a 2-hour flight, they choose a 20-hour train journey. I would like more people (including me) to do so, not only in terms of climate change but in general.
What motivates and inspires you?
I see myself as a frustrated idealist, so although I see a lot of evil and imperfections in the world, I still believe in the power of human creativity and cooperation. And while most academic work, unfortunately, does not have a big impact on the real world, I think that research and especially teaching can make a small but. meaningful contribution towards positive social change. I’m inspired to create research. projects by some abstract, theoretical interest in how institutions, organizational systems work (or do not work). And I look for solutions to reduce problems in a specific policy area more often.
What are the little steps each of us could take, but maybe have never thought of, that could help the environment?
An example of a small step that creates a strong impact is giving up meat. Or at least replacing beef with chicken. It provokes faster positive shifts in climate and the inevitable change in the agricultural system around the world!
What other hobbies do you have?
I’ve been creating electronic music for over 12 years, whenever I have the time. I started quite unexpectedly, encouraged by a friend. I also enjoy reading a variety of literature that is completely unrelated to my field of work, but I don’t always have as much time for it as I would like.
What is your opinion on modern youth?
I don’t want to look like a senior who complains about modern youth, but I would like more young people to have a positive attitude towards learning and intellectual development because the world is far more interesting and surprising than, in my opinion, they sometimes think.
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