Prof. Dr. Nils-Christian Bormann is the new dean of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at UW/H. He succeeds Prof. Dr. Dirk Sauerland, who has shaped and further developed the faculty over the past four years.

Bormann brings to his new role not only many years of experience in research and teaching, but also an international and interdisciplinary perspective. As a conflict researcher, his work focuses, among other things, on political polarization, international conflicts, and the stability of democratic societies. He now hopes to bring this analytical perspective and “a certain willingness to experiment with new ideas” to his work as dean.

Further Developing a Well-Positioned Faculty

For Bormann, the faculty is already very well positioned. Much of its research and teaching, he says, “ranks among the best that a faculty of economics and social sciences in Germany has to offer.” He cites the academic training, the close connection to professional practice, and, in particular, the interdisciplinary nature of UW/H: disciplines should not merely exist side by side but work together on socially relevant issues.

Bormann aims to build on this foundation while also providing new impetus. Existing partnerships should be nurtured, and further collaborations established—with companies and thought leaders in Germany as well as with universities and institutions worldwide.

A particular priority for him is to further expand international perspectives within the faculty and to make it even more of a place where people from diverse backgrounds come together to develop new ideas.

Bormann also wants to take a holistic approach to the degree program. It should not only prepare students for the job market but also shape their personal development.

We wish Prof. Dr. Nils-Christian Bormann every success in his new role as dean and look forward to the new ideas he will bring to the faculty’s continued development.